Feeling as if they were leaving ignorance, blind faith, and
unscientific thought behind them, the movement called "The
Enlightenment" attempted to understand the human condition through
careful scientific observation, critical reasoning, and rational
thought. Here is logos at its best.
While we are simply
glancing over this period by reading a few short works rather than
longer ones, for those of you who wish to enhance your understanding and
appreciation of this time period, please feel free to make the most of
these links and the posts above this one.
First of all, a little info:
The
Enlightenment is also referred to as the Neoclassical Period (c.
1660-1790) due to the influence of Classical literature on the writers
of these centuries. General characteristics of the Enlightenment include
a preference for logos (logic) and dislike for superstition. Odd then
that Gothic literature makes its debut in this period.
We may break this long period up into three parts:
I.
Restoration Period (c. 1660-1700): The period marks the restoration of
the monarchy in England after a long period of Puritan domination in
England. Where do the Puritans go? You're living there.
Authors
such as John Dryden, Samuel Pepys, and Jean Racine and Moliere (in
France) are good examples of this time period. Aphra Behn becomes the first female playwright of the English stage, and second in popularity to only John Dryden during her lifetime.
II. The Augustan Age (c. 1700-1750): This period is marked by the imitation of Virgil and Horace's literature
in
English brought about by Pope's translation of the Iliad and Odyssey
from its Greek tomb. Principal English writers include Addison, Steele,
Swift, and Alexander Pope. In France, Voltaire is your man.
III.
The Age of Johnson (c. 1750-1790): This period transitions into
Romanticism. At the edges here, the writing has more in common with the
next age we will cover: Romanticism. Major writers and thinkers include
Dr. Samuel Johnson, Robert Burns, William Blake and Thomas Gray. In
American lit this is called the Colonial Period and includes all them
American leader-types like Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and such.
The
18th century had a passion for order, logic, and "reason." Partly due
to the uncertainties of governments at the close of the 17th century and
the rise of scientific advancement in philosophy and society. This was
the age when Newton and Locke changed the ancient, outdated beliefs in
the natural order of things. We remember these people, puffy powdered
wigs and all, mainly due to how their thinking led to our own Revolution
in 1776. Social grace, refinement, logic, and reason were the key words
of the day.
But beneath all those wigs were minds
that not only delighted in science and exploration, logic and reason,
but also wit. They were nothing if not seriously interested in
living...even with their adornment (in clothing and language, as well as
Baroque music, for example).
During
this time Britain expanded its borders, explored deeper into the
African and American continents. London and Paris became world centers
for business and economy boomed for these cultures. The Spanish and
Dutch were close behind.
Queen Anne (last of the Stuart
line) died without an heir in 1714. The Whigs threw the conservative
Tory party out of office and granted succession to Anne's cousins from
Hanover, Germany: George I (reigned 1714-1727), George II (1727-1760),
and George III (1760-1820) who was born and reigned long in England.
The
end of the century ended in a variety of upheavals including our own
(the American Revolution, and the French Revolution) all stemming from
the great gap between rich and poor and the ideas presented by a whole
series of philosophers.
HOMEWORK: for Wednesday. Please
read the following article and prepare to report to the class the
highlights of the information you glean therein. Please sign up for a
topic.
The Age of Enlightenment (web text)
