The Age of Enlightenment | The Augustan Age | History of English Literature

Summary

This video explores the Age of Enlightenment (1700-1800), a period emphasizing reason, scientific discovery, and intellectual growth. It delves into the historical background, such as the rise of political parties, scientific advancements by figures like Isaac Newton, and the impact of revolutions. The video also highlights the literary features of the era, including the rise of prose, political writing, and satire. Major writers like Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Johnson, and Daniel Defoe are discussed, along with their influential works. This period set the stage for the Romantic movement, leaving a lasting impact on literature.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Age of Enlightenment (1700-1800) is also called the Age of Reason, emphasizing rational thought and scientific discoveries.
• 😀 The period is marked by the rise of Neoclassicism, a literary movement influenced by classical Roman writers and scientific advancements, especially by Isaac Newton.
• 😀 The Age of Enlightenment is divided into two halves: 1700-1750 (Augustan Age) and 1750-1798 (Age of Transition or Pre-Romanticism).
• 😀 Major historical events such as the rise of political parties (Whigs vs. Tories), the Act of Union (1707), and the scientific revolution shaped the Age of Enlightenment.
• 😀 The Age of Enlightenment saw a shift in religious views, moving from church-based doctrines to scientific and rational explanations of the world.
• 😀 Prose writing flourished, with a focus on rationality and logic, and the novel became increasingly popular due to the Licensing Act of 1737, which censored drama.
• 😀 Political writing became a major genre, with writers such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope contributing political satires and pamphlets.
• 😀 Clubs and coffee houses became important social venues where writers and intellectuals met, fostering the growth of periodicals and magazines.
• 😀 The period was known for the development of **satire** as a genre, with notable works like Alexander Pope’s *The Dunciad* and Jonathan Swift’s *A Modest Proposal* targeting societal vices.
• 😀 Prominent writers of the Age of Enlightenment include Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Johnson, Daniel Defoe, and transitional poets like Thomas Gray and William Blake, who paved the way for Romanticism.

Q & A

What is the Age of Enlightenment, and when did it occur?

The Age of Enlightenment, also called the Age of Reason, occurred during the 18th century, from 1700 to 1800. It was a period marked by the emphasis on rational thought, scientific discovery, and intellectual progress, influencing various aspects of society, including literature.

What key historical event contributed to the rise of the Age of Enlightenment?

The Age of Enlightenment was greatly influenced by the scientific revolution, with figures such as Isaac Newton challenging traditional views and promoting rational thought. Other significant historical events include the rise of political parties, the Act of Union (1707), and the Licensing Act of 1737, which encouraged the shift from theater to novels.

How was the Age of Enlightenment divided in terms of its literary periods?

The Age of Enlightenment can be divided into two halves: the first half (1700–1750) is known as the Augustan Age, or the Neoclassical Age, while the second half (1750–1798) is referred to as the Age of Transition or Pre-Romanticism.

Why is the first half of the Age of Enlightenment called the Augustan Age?

The first half of the Age of Enlightenment (1700–1750) is called the Augustan Age because English writers of the period imitated the classical Roman writers from the reign of Emperor Augustus. This period also aligns with the dominance of Alexander Pope, a key literary figure of the time.

What role did political writing play during the Age of Enlightenment?

Political writing became very popular during the Age of Enlightenment due to the influence of the two major political parties, Whigs and Tories. Writers often expressed their political opinions through pamphlets, essays, and periodicals, making this period a golden age for political discourse in literature.

What was the impact of the Licensing Act of 1737 on literature?

The Licensing Act of 1737, which sought to control and censor theater, had a significant impact on literature by pushing writers away from drama and towards novel writing, thus contributing to the rise of the novel as a major literary form.

What were some of the key literary features of the Age of Enlightenment?

Key literary features of the Age of Enlightenment included the flourishing of prose, the rise of the novel, political writing, the popularity of coffee houses and political clubs, periodical writing (such as magazines), satirical works, and the publication of major dictionaries like Samuel Johnson's *Dictionary of the English Language*.

Who were some of the most influential writers of the Age of Enlightenment?

Influential writers of the Age of Enlightenment included Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Johnson, Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, Oliver Goldsmith, Thomas Gray, and William Blake. Each contributed significantly to literature, from satirical works to the development of the novel.

How did the rise of coffee houses and political clubs affect literature?

Coffee houses and political clubs became key centers for intellectual discussions and literary gatherings during the Age of Enlightenment. These spaces facilitated the exchange of ideas and the publication of periodicals, contributing to the development of magazines and journals that influenced public opinion and literary trends.

What are some notable works from Alexander Pope, and why are they significant?

Notable works by Alexander Pope include *The Rape of the Lock*, *The Dunciad*, and *An Essay on Man*. His works are significant because they embody the Neoclassical ideals of wit, reason, and satire, and his use of the heroic couplet became a defining feature of literature in the period.