[英语学习]The18thCentury.ppt

British Literature in the 18th Century Enlightenment The Enlightenment is an 18th-century intellectual movement in Western Europe that emphasized reason and science in philosophy and in the study of human culture and the natural world. “I think, therefore I am.” Central to Enlightenment thought were the use and the celebration of reason, the power by which man understands the universe and improves his own condition. The goals of rational man were considered to be knowledge, freedom, and happiness. The enlighteners thought the chief means for reforming the society was “enlightenment” or “education” for the people. They stressed the importance of knowledge and ration, and they longed for a country of freedom, equality, and love instead of feudal country dominated by monarchy. The Influence of Enlightenment People were encouraged to cultivate a sound sense of rationality and a witty intellectuality. More schools were set up. Besides the popular forms of poetry, novel and drama, the period also saw the appearance of such popular press as pamphlets and newspapers and periodicals. In the later part of the 18th century, people began to feel discontented with the rigidity of rationality. A demand for a release of one’s spontaneous feeling, a relaxation from the cold and rigid logic of rationality and an escape from the inhuman Industrial Revolution gradually took shape in the form of sentimental and pre-romantic novel and poetry. British Literature in the 18th Century Literature, included the book, newspaper and magazine, became the chief instrument of the nation’s progress. Neo-Classicism made a rapid growth and prevailed in the 18th century. The Rise of the Novel Sentimentalism In 1709, Steele started The Tatler（《闲谈者》）. In 1711, Addison collaborated with Steele to create The Spectator（《旁观者》）. Contributions to English Literature Their writings provide a new code of social morality for the rising bourgeoisie. They give a true picture of the social life of England i