The purpose of literature in the age of enlightenment was to change the way people think. The philosophes wanted to promote reason and scientific thinking over superstition and religious dogma. They believed that by exposing people to new ideas, they could change the world.
Some of the most important works of literature from this period include Voltaire’s Candide, which satirized the optimistic philosophies of the time, and Rousseau’s The Social Contract, which argued for a more equal society. These works, and others like them, helped to shape the way people thought about the world and their place in it.
Other related questions:
What was the purpose of Enlightenment literature?
Enlightenment literature was written in order to spread the ideas of the Enlightenment. This literature often critiqued the existing social order and challenged traditional ways of thinking. Many Enlightenment thinkers believed that reason and science could be used to improve society, and their writing was meant to persuade others to join their cause.
How did the Age of Enlightenment influence literature?
The Age of Enlightenment was a period of time when reason and science were emphasized over faith and tradition. This period of intellectual ferment influenced many fields of study, including literature. Many Enlightenment thinkers believed that literature should be didactic, meaning that it should teach moral lessons. They also believed that literature should be accessible to as many people as possible, and should be free from the elitism of the past.
What does age of Enlightenment mean in literature?
The Age of Enlightenment was a period in the late 17th and early 18th centuries when new ideas about science, philosophy, and politics began to spread throughout Europe.
What was literature like during the Enlightenment?
During the Enlightenment, literature tended to be highly rational and focused on issues of social reform. There was a strong emphasis on reason and clear, logical thinking. Many Enlightenment writers sought to promote scientific and rational methods of thought, and their writing often featured a detached, objective tone.
Bibliography
- Enlightenment Literature | Essential Humanities
- The Enlightenment | The British Library
- Characteristics of Enlightenment Literature – Video & Lesson …
- The Enlightenment – Literature Periods & Movements
- A Guide to The Enlightenment Literature | EnglishPost.org
- British Literature from 1660 to Today: Enlightenment – LibGuides