How did the Enlightenment change British literature?

How did the Enlightenment change British literature?

As interests shifted, the Enlightenment produced more of a focus on the arts and sciences. This caused an increase in creativity, therefore many influential writers found this to be an opportunity for their writing to emerge and have an impact on literature at the time.

What is the Enlightenment period in literature?

The Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason shaped philosophical, political and scientific discourse from the late 17th to the early 19th century. Matthew White traces the Enlightenment back to its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War, and forward to its effects on the present day.

When was the Enlightenment period in English literature?

(1660-1788) – This period goes by the names “the Enlightenment,” “the Age of Reason,” and “the Neo-Classical Age.” – There was a great turning away from religion as primary way of life.

How was the Restoration period influenced by the Enlightenment?

Inspired by the optimism of the Enlightenment, writers began producing philosophical and religious texts. The Restoration also saw the beginning of formal journalism – people began learning about current events through large printed sheets. Similarly, prose fiction finds its roots in this period of literature.

What is the British Enlightenment?

The Enlightenment is the name given to a period of discovery and learning that flourished among Europeans and Americans from about 1680–1820, changing the way they viewed the world. This was also a time when Britain became a global power and grew wealthy.

How did literature change during the Enlightenment?

Literature, like many other fields, was greatly changed during the Enlightenment, a period during which independent though was embraced, skepticism ran freely through work, and new values, including an emphasis on science, became quite common among the educated classes.

How did the Enlightenment influence literature?

Why was the Restoration also called the Enlightenment?

Reason was an unchanging, uniquely human characteristic that served as a guide for man. Thus this time is often also called the Age of Reason or Enlightenment. Characteristics of this period included observing human nature and nature itself which were considered unchanging and constant.

Why is it called the Restoration period?

The name ‘restoration’ comes from the crowning of Charles II, which marks the restoring of the traditional English monarchical form of government following a short period of rule by a handful of republican governments.

What are the characteristics of Restoration period?

Characteristics of Restoration Period….

  • Social and Political Conflict. With the come – back of Charles II, England’s social, political and religious tenets have transformed.
  • Opening of Theaters.
  • Rise of Neo-Classicism.
  • Imitation of The Ancients.
  • Realism.
  • New Literary Forms.

What is the Restoration period in English literature?

She has over 30 years of teaching experience. The Restoration Period in English literature, which lasted from 1660 to around 1688, was named after the restoration of the traditional English monarchy form after the crowning of Charles II.

How did the enlightenment influence the Restoration period in England?

Although the influence of the Enlightenment on the Restoration period is tremendous, it’s important to note the humility towards human reason that is common to much Restoration literature. Many Restoration writers viewed the changes to their government, and the violence that these changes brought with them,…

How did the restoration of Charles II affect English literature?

In addition to conveniently providing the title for the period, the restoration of Charles II has a particularly defining influence on the literature that was written in the second half of the 17th century. The political events of the previous decades resulted in tremendous turmoil for the English people.

What are the different literary periods in England?

A Brief Overview of British Literary Periods. 1 Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Period (450–1066) The term Anglo-Saxon comes from two Germanic tribes: the Angles and the Saxons. This period of literature 2 Middle English Period (1066–1500) 3 The Renaissance (1500–1660) 4 The Neoclassical Period (1600–1785) 5 The Romantic Period (1785–1832)