The 18th Century

Cultural Context:

Major Authors and Works:

Key Characteristics

The 18th century

18th Century (1700-1800)

The 18th century was the Age of Enlightenment, a period that emphasized reason, scientific thought, and skepticism of traditional authority (especially religious and monarchial rule). The century also saw the rise of new literary forms like the novel, and many writers used their works to critique social and political issues.

- Reason and Rationality: The intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment emphasized reason, individual rights, and progress. Literature often reflected these ideals, with a focus on logic, order, and critique of superstition and tradition. - Satire and Social Criticism: Writers used satire to criticize the absurdities of society, politics, and religion. This was the era of Jonathan Swift's biting social commentary. - Classical Influence: Many writers drew on classical models from Ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing form, restraint, and wit. - Early Romanticism: Towards the end of the century, there was a growing interest in emotion, nature, and the sublime, which would eventually lead to the Romantic movement.

- Jonathan Swift: Known for his satirical works, particularly Gulliver’s Travels, which critiques human nature, politics, and the state of the world. - Alexander Pope: A poet who epitomized the Classical spirit, Pope is known for works like The Rape of the Lock (a satire on high society) and The Dunciad (a sharp critique of literary culture). - Voltaire: A French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and satirist, Voltaire is best known for Candide, a work that critiques optimism and the prevailing social and political systems of the time. - Samuel Johnson: His Dictionary of the English Language was a monumental achievement, and his works of criticism and essays helped define the literary standards of the time.

- The 18th century was a time of political and intellectual revolution, with the Enlightenment challenging established norms and advocating for liberty, equality, and fraternity. - The rise of the novel as a form, with writers like Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) and Samuel Richardson (Pamela), laid the groundwork for modern fiction. - The French and American Revolutions were important political events that shaped the intellectual and literary culture of the time.