Definition of Age of Reason - English literature in Age of reason - Role of Poetry in the Age of reason - Role of Poetry in the Age of reason - Famous writers of Age of Reason - Age of Reason Themes - BS English Subject introduction of Literature History of English Literature Semester 1 Punjab University

Outlines Age of Reason

• Definition of Age of Reason

• English literature in Age of reason

• Role of Poetry in the Age of reason

• Role of Poetry in the Age of reason

• Famous writers of Age of Reason

• Age of Reason Themes

Definition of Age of Reason

''During the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a philosophic and intellectual movement that influenced the realm of ideas in Europe, particularly in France.''

While the Enlightenment took place in North America And Europe throughout the 18th century, it was in Europe that new respect for reason and scientific knowledge — rather than religion — as a way of understanding the world and our position in it was born. Because logic and rationality were held in such high regard throughout the Age of Reason, the period generated a great quantity of nonfiction, including poems that connected with the subject of reason. People could not see the use in inventing worlds that were not connected to life; yet, literary scholars contend that this time gave birth to the novel, which came on to be very popular in the next century and continues to be till this day.

English literature in Age of reason 

Bringing Back the Greeks
This regeneration of traditional culture, known as 'neoclassicism,' was a result of the obsession with the reason in the Enlightenment and was not only reflected in poetry, but also in rhetorical and formal writing. Philosophers and writers were more and more interested in Roman and Greek writings of language and politics and numerous classical references were added in their writings, including Swift and Wheatley. Writers were more concerned with the purity of speech and standardized language than their Renaissance ancestors, who were exploring the language more artistically.

Critical literature
Writers often used satire during this period to criticize excessive authority or other social evils. During this era, when people lost trust in divine intervention and providence, the idea of social justice and assisting the less fortunate grew significantly. Jonathan Swift, Voltaire, and Alexander Pope, also produced humorous pieces in large numbers, occasionally pamphlets – loosely page usually carrying political critique or ideas - which were a common kind of writing in the 1700s. Political parties paid for authors like Joseph Addison, Matthew, Richard Steele, and Jonathan Swift, Before writing pamphlets supporting party policies and ideas, many political and social views were spread in this manner.

Beginning of Novel in Age of Reason
In addition to the novel spreading throughout the Age of Reason, the contemporary novel was also born in this period. While discussion continues, whose book gets initial credit, many reviewers regard Samuel Richardson, who published "Pamela" and "Clarissa" epistolary novels, and Henry Fielding, who wrote "Tom Jones, Daniel Defoe's British novel "Robinson Crusoe."" are other early writers. Many of these books feature unambiguous and rational characters and language in a classic Enlightenment manner but contain a sense of emotional romance and class concerns about a novel from the 19th century.

Age of Reason Themes 

• Individualism, as well as skepticism, are encouraged.
• scientific rationalism is a way of thinking that is based on facts and evidence.
• The supremacy of logic and reason over superstition and religious belief.

Role of Poetry in the Age of reason

Rational Poetry
Many Enlightenment poets praised reason in their writing, such as in "An Essay on Man" by Alexander Pope, which rejects supernatural interference and proclaims the fundamental goodness of humanity rather than superior divinity. Later in the poem, Pope asked, "What else can we argue upwards, or from the bottom?'' and put the ultimate authority for information, including God's knowledge, upon human reason. Phillis Wheatley, the American slave, and poet, Anne Finch, Countess Winchelsea, both evoked their lyrical investigations of womanhood and enslavement. Wheatley and other poets often integrated formal schemes and rhythms into their writing, such as rhymic couplets, as well as classical forms such as church elegies and prologues, according to the Enlightenment's focus on reason.

Role of Joy and Teaching in Age of Reason

Reason has become more important to poetry than ever before in the age of Reason. But it wasn't the entire story. As usual, there was a dispute about the nature and correct use of poetry. The two major aspects of the discussion of the 18th century may be marked by the terms 'teaching' and 'joy.' The issue was whether poetry should mainly educate or delight us about the world.

All authors recognized both to be essential, but which one should be given to the other? 

What was the main aim or end of poetry in the age of reason?

Views of John Dryden 

Pope's predecessor, John Dryden, attempted this method to develop the connection between learning and pleasure: "Sweetness is the main, if not the only aim of poetry; education may be allowed but second; poetry only teaches as it pleases. Notice he's trying to keep his enjoyment preference. He begins by emphasizing "pleasure," but then retreats immediately and adds "education," and then appears to say that "delight" is vital because instruction is essential—which makes us question whether teaching is after all more significant.

Satire and Sentimental Poetry 

As said, the other two kinds of poetry most distinctive of the era are satire and sentimental poetry. Satire is an old style of rhetoric that plays with madness or immorality in order to fix mistakes. The issue with folly is that it is irrational. But Satire seeks to expose the mistake of foolishness and immorality not through argument, but by mocking.

Rape of the Lock as a Satire 

Pope's "The rape of the lock" is probably the most renowned satire of the era. It's a lengthy poem about a young woman's fury to have her hair locked out by a suitor who's angry since she's beaten him in a card game. The poem is based on the reduction of hair locks into rape and the presentation of rape in an epic military struggle, basically saying "are you not crazy in throwing your future riches and happiness into the hair lock?."

Although satire makes use of exaggeration and ridicule, it nevertheless helps the target of satire to laugh at itself on the road to reason.

Famous writers of ''Age of Reason'' 

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Voltaire 
• Alexander Pope
• Oliver Goldsmith
• George Crabbe
• Dr. Samuel Johnson 
• William Blake 
• Walter Scott
• Jane Austen  

Conclusion 

In the realm of Literature, the Age of Reason examined the age of fresh innovations in the field of philosophy. It has provided completely new ways of thinking and processing information in order to comprehend reality and realize the significance of scientific knowledge in comparison to religion and false beliefs.