Enlightenment

Definition

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement of the late 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It marked a shift towards valuing empirical evidence and rational thought, influencing various fields such as philosophy, science, and politics, while fostering a new appreciation for literature and artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment encouraged writers to engage with social and political issues, leading to the rise of periodical essays that addressed contemporary concerns.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire and Rousseau, influenced both literature and political thought, advocating for individual rights and freedoms.
3. The movement laid the groundwork for later literary forms and styles, including the novel, which sought to explore complex human experiences through reasoned perspectives.
4. The ideas of the Enlightenment often intersected with early Romanticism, as writers began to express emotional depth alongside rational thought.
5. Enlightenment thinkers promoted the idea of progress and the belief that humanity could improve society through education and reasoned debate.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment influence the emergence of the periodical essay as a literary form?
  • The Enlightenment fostered an environment where reasoned debate and discussion were valued, encouraging writers to create periodical essays that tackled contemporary social and political issues. This literary form became a platform for intellectuals to share their ideas and critique societal norms, reflecting the movement's emphasis on individual thought. As a result, periodical essays became instrumental in shaping public opinion and promoting Enlightenment ideals.
• Discuss how the themes presented by the Graveyard Poets reflect Enlightenment principles.
  • The Graveyard Poets, including figures like Thomas Gray and Edward Young, incorporated themes of mortality and introspection into their work, reflecting an Enlightenment focus on reasoned reflection about human existence. Their poetry often melded emotional depth with rational inquiry, echoing the movement's ideals of individual experience and philosophical exploration. This blend allowed them to explore complex themes related to life, death, and the nature of existence while still engaging with Enlightenment values.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment ideas on James Thomson's 'The Seasons' and its pre-Romantic tendencies.
  • James Thomson's 'The Seasons' showcases the influence of Enlightenment thought through its celebration of nature, individual perception, and emotional resonance. By incorporating reasoned observation of natural phenomena alongside deeply personal reflections, Thomson bridges Enlightenment ideals with emerging Romantic sensibilities. This work not only highlights a respect for empirical observation but also emphasizes emotional responses to nature, marking a transition in literary expression that acknowledges both rational thought and human feeling.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, often contrasting with empiricism.

Empiricism: A theory that states knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, which was a significant aspect of Enlightenment thought.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, gaining traction during the Enlightenment as rational thought challenged religious authority.