Literature from the late 17th and 18th century that was marked by an emphasis on reason, science, and progress, including works such as Voltaire's Candide and Montesquieu's The Spirit of the Laws.
The Age of Enlightenment: This period of European history, lasting from the 17th to the 18th century, was characterized by a surge of scientific and philosophical knowledge that greatly influenced the development of literature.
Rationalism: The Enlightenment movement heavily depended on rationalism, which emphasized the importance of reason, knowledge, and individualism.
Empiricism: Also a key philosophy of the Enlightenment movement, empiricism stresses the importance of sensory experiences as a source of knowledge, rather than solely relying on reason.
Deism: A belief that emerged during the Enlightenment that God is a distant creator who is not involved in the workings of the world.
Social Contract Theory: This political philosophy was popularized during the Enlightenment and suggests that individuals surrender some of their rights to a government in exchange for protection and stability.
Satire: Satirical works emerged during the Enlightenment that used humor and witty commentary to criticize societal norms and powerful figures.
Humanism: A movement that emphasizes the importance and worth of human beings, this philosophy was a key driving force in the Enlightenment and inspired many literary works.
Scientific Progress: The Enlightenment was marked by significant scientific progress, which influenced the literary works of the time in themes, topics, and tone.
Rationality: The importance of reason and logic was a prominent theme in Enlightenment literature.
Freedom and Equality: Enlightenment writers often focused on themes of freedom, liberty, and equal rights for all individuals.
Philanthropy: Many works of Enlightenment literature emphasized the importance of empathy, charity, and helping others.
Classical Literature: Many Enlightenment writers drew inspiration from classical literature, particularly Greek and Roman literature.
Romanticism: The rise of the Romantic movement followed the Enlightenment, and many literary works from this time period challenge Enlightenment ideals or incorporate elements of Romanticism, such as emotion and intuition.
Political Philosophy: Enlightenment literature often explored political ideas such as democracy, individual rights, and separation of powers.
Historical Context: Understanding the historical context in which Enlightenment literature was written and the surrounding cultural and social factors is crucial to fully comprehend the works.
Philosophy and Essays: Philosophers like René Descartes, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote essays and treatises on various aspects of human existence. They examined the role of reason and knowledge in human experience, as well as topics like politics, ethics, and religion.
Satire: Satirists like Jonathan Swift and Voltaire used writing to criticize social problems and institutions. They often employed irony and humor to expose the flaws of society.
Fables and Fairy Tales: Fables and fairy tales were popular during the Enlightenment period. These stories served as allegories for moral lessons and often featured anthropomorphic animals or supernatural characters.
Science and Natural History: Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of science to improve society. Therefore, many of them wrote about scientific discoveries and natural history. Examples include Charles Darwin's Origin of Species and Isaac Newton's Principia Mathematica.
Novels and Plays: Fiction and drama flourished during the Enlightenment. Writers like Jane Austen and William Shakespeare tackled complex themes like love, identity, and political power through their works.
Letters and Journals: Personal letters and journals from influential figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson provide valuable insights into the daily lives and thoughts of Enlightenment thinkers.
Political Pamphlets: The Enlightenment period saw a rise in political activism and the publication of pamphlets advocating for changes in government and society. Examples include Thomas Paine's Common Sense and Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract.