The 18th century was a remarkable period in literature, marked by significant changes in thought and expression. This era saw the rise of individualism, the questioning of authority, and a focus on rationality and human experience. In this guide, we will explore three key themes through practical examples that can easily be integrated into lesson plans.
This theme highlights the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason as a guiding principle in life, pushing back against irrationality and tradition.
In teaching this theme, you might explore works by philosophers and writers like Voltaire and Jonathan Swift, who questioned societal norms through reasoned arguments.
In Voltaire’s “Candide,” the protagonist’s journey reflects the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through reason.
Through his adventures, he encounters various philosophies, including optimism and pessimism, ultimately leading him to question the merit of unwavering optimism in the face of adversity. This journey serves as a critical commentary on the human condition, advocating for a more practical approach to life’s challenges.
Satire emerged as a powerful literary form in the 18th century, allowing authors to critique society, government, and human folly through humor and exaggeration.
Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” is a prime example of this theme, as it uses irony to address the dire social issues in Ireland.
In this satirical essay, Swift proposes a shocking solution to poverty: selling children as food to the wealthy. The absurdity of the proposal serves to highlight the neglect and exploitation faced by the Irish population. Swift’s clever use of satire forces readers to confront the harsh realities of their society and consider the moral implications of inaction.
The theme of individualism became prominent during the 18th century as writers began to emphasize personal experience and the importance of the self.
This theme can be illustrated through the poetry of William Wordsworth, who celebrated the beauty of nature and the depth of human emotion in works like “Lines Written in Early Spring.”
In this poem, Wordsworth reflects on the relationship between nature and the individual, expressing how personal emotions intertwine with the natural world. His focus on the individual’s feelings and experiences marks a significant shift from the collective perspectives of earlier literary periods, encouraging readers to value their unique viewpoints and emotions.
By incorporating these examples into your lesson plans, students will gain a deeper understanding of the key themes in 18th-century literature, fostering analytical thinking and personal connections to the material.