Enlightenment thought

Definition

Enlightenment thought refers to a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This intellectual movement profoundly influenced the arts and culture, encouraging exploration of human nature, emotions, and the human experience, particularly in theatre. The ideas of prominent Enlightenment thinkers laid the groundwork for Romanticism, allowing for a deeper examination of the individual in society as seen in the works of playwrights like Goethe and Schiller.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enlightenment thought encouraged the idea of personal freedom and autonomy, leading to an emphasis on individual characters and their emotional journeys in theatre.
2. The influence of Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau can be seen in the works of Goethe and Schiller, who explored themes of morality, society, and human experience.
3. This philosophical movement promoted skepticism towards traditional authorities, including monarchies and churches, paving the way for revolutionary ideas in Europe.
4. The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and critical thinking reshaped theatre by shifting focus from purely moralistic plays to more complex character-driven narratives.
5. In Romantic theatre, the ideals of the Enlightenment merged with an emphasis on emotion and individual experience, creating a rich landscape for new forms of dramatic expression.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thought influence the themes explored in Romantic theatre, particularly in the works of Goethe and Schiller?
  • Enlightenment thought influenced Romantic theatre by introducing themes centered around individualism and personal freedom. Goethe and Schiller utilized these ideas to create characters that grappled with their emotions and moral dilemmas, reflecting the complexity of human nature. This shift allowed for more nuanced storytelling that emphasized personal experiences rather than strict moral lessons commonly found in earlier theatrical works.
• Discuss how Enlightenment skepticism towards traditional authority affected theatrical expression during this period.
  • The skepticism promoted by Enlightenment thought encouraged playwrights to challenge societal norms and traditional authority figures. This led to a greater diversity of voices and perspectives within theatre, allowing for more critical examinations of power dynamics. As a result, plays began to address social issues more openly, reflecting the changing attitudes toward authority as audiences became more engaged with questioning the status quo.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Enlightenment thought on modern theatre practices and how it has shaped contemporary storytelling techniques.
  • The lasting impact of Enlightenment thought on modern theatre is significant as it established the foundations for character development and narrative complexity we see today. The focus on reason, individualism, and personal experience paved the way for contemporary storytelling techniques that prioritize character arcs over rigid plot structures. This philosophical legacy continues to influence playwrights who explore complex emotional landscapes, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own humanity within theatrical narratives.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and that reality can be understood through rational thought rather than sensory experience.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement that emphasizes human potential and achievements, focusing on human values and concerns over religious or supernatural matters.

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that originated in the late 18th century, characterized by a focus on emotion, nature, and the individual experience, often as a reaction against Enlightenment rationalism.