The Age of Enlightenment saw great advances in science and literature during the 18th century in Britain. This period celebrated rational thought and believed humanity could be perfected through science and order. Literature of the time emulated classical styles and frequently referenced myths. It used satire to both praise and critique in an effort to inspire progress. Notable authors included John Dryden, Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, and Alexander Pope, who popularized genres like satire and the novel and helped establish writing as a legitimate profession.

1. The Age of Enlightenment The Restoration and the 18th Century

2. The Restoration Monarchy restored, but power weakened- Britain becomes more democratic King rules by the consent of the people Beginnings of the Industrial Revolution

3. The Enlightenment Great advances in the Sciences Celebrated the scientific method– believed Mancould perfect himself and society Literature of the time very orderly and formed (rhymed couplets, etc.)

4. ORDER

5. Neo-Classicism Emulated Classic styles Frequent references to classics (myths, gods, and heroes) Tried to look at the world objectively Use of Aphorisms(one liners—the equivalent of the “sound byte”) Very fond of Satire

6. Three Periods Age of Dryden Named for John Dryden Celebrates Human Achievement Age of Pope and Swift Heavy Neoclassic style characterized by Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift Age of Johnson Beginningsof a shift toward Romanticism

7. John Dryden The most accomplished poet of the period Made prose acceptable to literary circles, and helped establish writing as a legitimate career clear and concise and became the standard against which all other English writers were measured.

8. John Dryden His work was a response to the excesses and political upheaval of the restoration. Praised the virtues of order, balance & harmony Poet laureate in 1668

9. ODE A single, unified strain of exalted lyrical verse Deals with ONE theme and praises its value/virtues Elaborate, dignified and imaginative

10. Daniel Defoe Born into a working class family Considered the ministry but instead decided on becoming a crappy businessman Didn’t start writing the novels that made him famous until into his sixties Was pilloried for political writing

11. Daniel Defoe Wrote two very popular novels (a new form at the time) Robinson Crusoe andMoll Flanders (both purported to be nonfiction) Crusoestarted a genre Also wrote a non fiction (kinda) account—Journal of the Plague Year

12. Jonathan Swift Was born in Dublin, Ireland Was a minister in the Church of England His satirical works ruined his chances to advance in the church Still remained a staunch supporter of the Anglican faith Held a great amount of political power in later years- wrote political pamphlets for the government

13. Jonathan Swift Wrote “A Modest Proposal” which championed the Irish cause His greatest work, Gulliver’s Travels is considered one of the greatest satires in British literature.

14. Satire A work that blends humor and wit for the improvement of human institutions or humanity Satire is not intended to “tear down” as much as to “inspire remodeling” Does not attack an individual- it will “pass over a single foe to charge whole armies.” Satire is subtle enough that the reader must make the inference to what or who is being mocked

15. Alexander Pope The first English poet to support himself solely by his writing Being Catholic prevented him from holding public office or getting a wealthy patron First major work was An Essay on Criticism, which brought him to the attention of the leading literary figures of the time.

16. Alexander Pope Very frail in health- was less than five feet tall. Was a sharp wit and was a sought after guest A brilliant satirist-one of his best know works is “The Rape of the Lock,” one of the greatest Mock Epics in English

17. Heroic Couplets Iambic Pentameter in rhymed pairs Became a fixed for with Pope and dominated English verse for decades