Chapter V 18th Century.pptVIP

Chapter Five English Literature of the 18th Century Outline Historical Background English Enlightenment Neo-classicism The Realistic Novels Sentimentalism Pre-romanticism The three major periods of English literature of the 18th century 1. The first period (1688 to the end of the 1730s), with the formation of general principles of the Enlightenment and the domination of the moderate group who placed great hopes on the age and whose works were characterized by neo-classicism (only except Swift) . The three major periods of English literature of the 18th century 2.The second period (from 1740s to 1750s), with realistic novels to make fierce attacks on the existing social conditions but still maintain sufficient faith in the eventual triumph of virtue over vice and in the final attainment of social justice. 3. The third period (the last decades of the 18th century) was characterized by the decline of the Enlightenment and marked by the appearance of new literary tendencies of sentimentalism (Gray, Sterne and Goldsmith) and pre-romanticism (Blake and Burns), as protests to the social injustices of the day. Historical Background a. The beginning of the “constitutional monarchy” marked the compromise between the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie. b. The joint rule of the two brought about oppression and exploitation over the people. c. The revolution in 1688 definitely established the system of capitalism in England. Historical Background d. The middle of the 18th saw the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, which led England to the first powerful capitalist country in the world as well as the birth of the working class. e. Big colonial gains were made abroad, followed by colonial expansion. However, the defeat of the English colonies in North America led to the American War of Independence. f. The end of the century (in1798) saw the breakout of the French Revolution, with strong effect left upon England with its slogans of liberty, fraternity and equality