Literary Movements

Question 1

1600s to 1700s - The Enlightenment

Answer 1

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and cultural movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. Voltaire was one
of the key authors during the enlightenment. In literature, it fostered the following key developments:

Rationalism: Writers promoted the idea that human reason could lead to knowledge and progress. This led to a focus on logic, clarity, and evidence in literary works.

Satire and Critique: Many Enlightenment writers used satire to critique societal norms, government, and religion. Notable figures include Voltaire, Jonathan Swift, and Denis Diderot.

Human Rights and Liberty: Literature during this period often explored themes of human rights, equality, and freedom, reflecting the growing demand for democratic reforms and social justice.

Nature of Humanity: Enlightenment writers, like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, examined the nature of humanity and the impact of society on individual development, contributing to the rise of Romanticism.

Scientific and Philosophical Influence: The movement encouraged the integration of scientific ideas and philosophical inquiry into literature, leading to works that engaged with concepts of natural rights, ethics, and governance.

Overall, the Enlightenment profoundly influenced literature by promoting ideas of reason, individual rights, and social critique, laying the groundwork for modern thought and literature.

Question 2

late 1700s to early 1800s - Age of Revolutions

Answer 2

The Age of Revolutions (late 18th to early 19th centuries) refers to a period marked by significant political, social, and cultural upheaval, including the American and French Revolutions. In literature, it emphasized themes of liberty, equality, and social justice, reflecting the struggle against tyranny and the quest for individual rights. Key authors include Frederick Doulas, Charles Baudelaire, and Emily Dickinson

Question 3

mid 1800s to early 1900s - Realism

Answer 3

Realism (mid-19th to early 20th centuries) is a literary movement that aims to depict everyday life and society accurately and truthfully, focusing on ordinary characters and events. It emerged as a reaction against Romanticism, emphasizing detail, character development, and social issues. Key authors include Henrik Ibsen, Leo Tolstoy, and Mark Twain, whose works often explore themes of class, morality, and the human condition. Realism seeks to portray life as it is, often highlighting the struggles of the middle and lower classes.

Question 4

1900 to 1945 - Modernity and Modernism

Answer 4

Modernity (late 19th to mid-20th centuries) refers to the cultural, social, and economic transformations brought about by industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancements. Modernism is a literary movement that arose from this context, characterized by a break from traditional forms and techniques. It often explores themes of alienation, fragmentation, and the search for meaning in an increasingly complex world. Key figures include Franz Kafka, T.S. Eliot, and Pablo Neruda who employed innovative narrative styles, such as stream of consciousness and non-linear storytelling, to reflect the disorienting experiences of modern life.

Question 5

1945 to 1968 - Postwar and Post-Colonial Literature

Answer 5

Postwar literature (mid-20th century) emerged after World War II, often reflecting the trauma, disillusionment, and societal changes of the time. It addresses themes like identity, morality, and the impact of war. Notable authors include Albert Camus

Post-colonial literature examines the effects of colonialism on cultures and identities, focusing on the voices of formerly colonized peoples. It critiques colonial power dynamics, explores themes of identity, hybridity, and resistance, and often incorporates indigenous languages and oral traditions. Key figures include Chinua Achebe and Naguib Mahfouz

Question 6

1968 to Present - Contemporary World Literature

Answer 6

Contemporary World Literature refers to literary works produced from the late 20th century to the present, reflecting diverse global perspectives and experiences. It often explores themes of globalization, migration, identity, and social justice. Authors address cultural hybridity, personal narratives, and political issues, using various genres and styles. Notable contemporary writers include Jamaica Kincaid and Hanan Al-Shaykh