Age of sensibility

Definition

The age of sensibility refers to a cultural and literary movement during the late 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized emotional depth, personal experience, and the exploration of human feelings. This period marked a shift from the rationalism of the Enlightenment to a greater appreciation for emotion and individual sentiment in literature, influencing various genres and writers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The age of sensibility saw a rise in novels that explored emotional depth, particularly through the experiences of flawed or sensitive characters.
2. Writers like Laurence Sterne used experimental narrative techniques to convey a more subjective experience of reality and emotion.
3. This movement encouraged readers to connect with characters on a personal level, fostering empathy and moral contemplation.
4. Themes such as nature, love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships were frequently explored in literature from this era.
5. The age of sensibility paved the way for Romanticism by further developing ideas about individuality and emotional expression in artistic creation.

Review Questions

• How did the age of sensibility reflect a shift from previous literary movements, particularly in terms of character development and emotional expression?
  • The age of sensibility marked a significant shift from the rationalist focus of previous literary movements by placing greater emphasis on emotional depth and individual experience. Characters were often depicted with complex emotions and moral dilemmas, encouraging readers to engage empathetically with their struggles. This new focus on personal sentiment allowed writers to explore psychological nuances and moral questions in ways that resonated deeply with audiences.
• In what ways does Laurence Sterne's 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' exemplify characteristics of the age of sensibility?
  • 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' is a prime example of the age of sensibility through its playful narrative style that mirrors the intricacies of human emotion. Sterne employs digressions, unconventional structures, and humor to evoke feelings in readers while also reflecting on the nature of storytelling itself. This work allows for an intimate connection with characters' inner lives and feelings, showcasing how Sterne captures the essence of emotional exploration prevalent during this time.
• Evaluate how the age of sensibility influenced later literary movements, especially Romanticism, by emphasizing emotionality and individual experience.
  • The age of sensibility set the stage for Romanticism by intensifying the focus on emotion as a driving force in literature. The emphasis on personal feelings, nature's beauty, and individual experience found in works from this period directly influenced Romantic writers who expanded these themes further. By valuing emotion over reason, authors began to craft narratives that not only reflected personal introspection but also celebrated the individual's connection to broader human experiences, ultimately shaping the course of literature into the 19th century.

Related terms

Romanticism: A literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism as reactions against the constraints of Enlightenment rationalism.

Sentimentalism: A literary style that focuses on eliciting emotional responses from readers, often highlighting themes of compassion, tenderness, and moral goodness.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which became a central theme in literature during the age of sensibility, driving character development and reader connection.