The Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by an emphasis on reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This movement promoted ideas such as liberty, equality, and the scientific method, which significantly influenced various cultural expressions, including Neoclassical tragedy, by challenging established norms and encouraging a more rational approach to understanding human nature and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for many modern political ideas, including democracy and human rights, which are often reflected in the themes of Neoclassical tragedy.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment included philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant, whose writings emphasized critical thinking and challenged societal norms.
3. The movement encouraged the use of reason in literature and drama, leading to a shift from the emotional excesses of Baroque art to a more balanced and structured form seen in Neoclassical tragedy.
4. Enlightenment thinkers believed in progress and the perfectibility of humanity, which can be seen in the moral undertones present in many Neoclassical tragic works.
5. The Enlightenment's focus on individual rights and societal critique provided a new lens through which to analyze human conflict in tragedy, moving away from purely religious explanations.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence the themes present in Neoclassical tragedy?
  • The Enlightenment influenced Neoclassical tragedy by promoting reason, individualism, and moral scrutiny. These ideas encouraged playwrights to explore complex human emotions and ethical dilemmas within their characters. Instead of relying solely on fate or divine intervention, Neoclassical tragedies often depicted characters making choices based on reasoned thought, reflecting Enlightenment ideals.
• In what ways did Enlightenment philosophers challenge traditional authority through their writings?
  • Enlightenment philosophers challenged traditional authority by critiquing established social structures and advocating for individual rights and freedoms. They used reasoned arguments to question monarchy, religious dogma, and societal norms. Works like Rousseau's 'The Social Contract' encouraged people to rethink their relationship with government and society. This shift in thought inspired playwrights to incorporate themes of rebellion against oppression into Neoclassical tragedy.
• Evaluate the impact of the Enlightenment on the development of modern literature and its ongoing relevance in contemporary works.
  • The impact of the Enlightenment on modern literature is profound, as it established principles such as rational discourse, individual agency, and social critique that continue to resonate today. The movement laid a foundation for exploring complex characters and moral dilemmas in literature. Contemporary works still grapple with Enlightenment themes like freedom and justice, demonstrating how these ideas have evolved but remain central to human experience. Thus, the Enlightenment not only shaped Neoclassical tragedy but also paved the way for diverse literary expressions in subsequent eras.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophy emphasizing reason as the primary source of knowledge, often in opposition to sensory experience.

Humanism: An intellectual movement focusing on human potential and achievements, often drawing from classical texts and ideas.

Empiricism: The theory that knowledge is primarily derived from sensory experience and observation.