The Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period encouraged the use of reason as a means to understand and improve society, impacting literature through the rise of satire as a tool for social critique, shaping literary forms such as the novel, and influencing writers' approaches to storytelling and character development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment led to a questioning of traditional authority, promoting ideas about democracy, liberty, and human rights.
2. It fostered advancements in philosophy, science, and literature, encouraging writers to explore new narrative techniques and themes.
3. Satire became a popular form during this period, allowing authors to critique society and politics while entertaining readers.
4. Key figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke were instrumental in shaping Enlightenment thought, influencing future generations of writers.
5. The movement also laid the groundwork for the Romantic period by challenging classical ideals and inspiring personal expression in literature.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence the use of satire in literature?
  • The Enlightenment fostered a spirit of questioning and critique, leading authors to use satire as a means to address social issues and challenge established norms. Writers like Jonathan Swift utilized satire to expose hypocrisy in politics and society, making their critiques more palatable and engaging for readers. This technique not only entertained but also encouraged readers to reflect on the societal problems of their time, solidifying satire as a powerful literary tool during this era.
• Discuss how the ideas of the Enlightenment shaped Swift's contributions to English literature.
  • Swift's work reflects Enlightenment ideals through his focus on reasoned argumentation and social critique. His satirical writings challenged traditional views on government, religion, and human behavior, encouraging readers to think critically about societal norms. By employing sharp wit and humor, Swift was able to engage with complex philosophical ideas while making profound statements about humanity's flaws, establishing him as a pivotal figure in English literature during the Enlightenment.
• Evaluate how the Enlightenment paved the way for Defoe's novel form and narrative techniques.
  • The Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and individual experience directly influenced Defoe’s approach to novel writing. His works often focused on realistic characters navigating complex moral dilemmas, reflecting Enlightenment themes of personal growth and societal critique. By utilizing detailed narratives based on real-life events, Defoe helped establish the modern novel form as a vehicle for exploring human experience, setting a precedent for future authors who would continue to blend narrative innovation with social commentary.

Related terms

Rationalism:

A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and that reality can be understood through logical thought.

Empiricism:

The theory that all knowledge is based on experience derived from the senses, emphasizing observation and experimentation.

Social Contract: A political theory that individuals consent to form a government and abide by its rules in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of social order.