Augustan to Gothic Period (18th century literature)

Introduction

The 18th century in English literature can be divided into two periods: THE AUGUSTAN AGE (The Age of Pope) – 1700-1745 and THE AGE OF SENSIBILITY (The Age of Johnson) – 1745-1785.

This was the period of heavy colonizations of the new world and the time when cities rise. Various inventions, as well as the Industrial and Agricultural Revolution, influenced manufacturing and the British trade with the rest of the world; both of which grew tremendously.

Some of the most important INVENTIONS of the time are: the fire extinguisher by Hoppfer,

mercury thermometer by Fahrenheit, lightening rod and bi-focal glasses by Franklin, an improved steam engine by James Watt, the submarine, circular saw, the parachute, etc. One of the greatest discoveries was Bering’s discovery of Alaska in 1741.

18th century is the time when the middle class rises. Newspapers, magazines, grammar books and dictionaries gain popularity. New professions are introduced, such as: fashion designers, hairdressers and dancing masters. Some scientific ways of explaining the world emerge and female writers become more and more common.

LITERATURE

The writers of The Augustan Age considered the Age of Augustus in ancient Rome to be a very important cultural period and they wanted their own period to have similar importance. Therefore they called themselves Augustan poets, and the period: Augustan Age.

This period is the time when the novel rises and drama loses its importance. The most important writers of novels were DANIEL DEFOE who wrote Robinson Crusoe, JONATHAN SWIFT with his famous work Gulliver’s Travels, SAMUEL RICHARDSON with his novels Pamela and Clarissa which is an epistolary novel and HENRY FIELDING whose most famous works are Joseph Andrews and Tom Jones. These authors used lots of humor and satire in their novels.

Some of the female novelists were: CHARLOTTE LENNOX and SARAH FIELDING, with their works: _The_ _Female Quixote_ and David Simple.

THE GOTHIC NOVEL was born when HORACE WALPOLE published his horror novel  The Castle of Otranto in 1764.

One of the most well-known poets of that time is ALEXANDER POPE. His most famous work is _The Rape of the Lock_. Other poets include: THOMAS GRAY, OLIVER GOLDSMITH, WILLIAM COWPER and GEORGE CRABBE.

As the middle class grew, so did the need for the printed word. Magazines and newspapers gained popularity, as writing became a profession (McRae, Carter, 1996). Some of the magazines which were printed at that time were: The Tatler, The Gentleman’s Journal, The Gentleman’s Magazine and The Spectator.

Another form of literature which was very popular at that time was writing letters and

diaries (McRae, Carter, 1996). Famous letters include those of LADY MARY WORTLEY and LORD CHESTERFIELD.

America

In America, the period from 1607-1776 is called THE COLONIAL PERIOD. Most of the literature of this time was produced by Puritans who colonized New England. This is also the time of THE AMERICAN ENLIGHTENMENT which was influenced by the European enlightenment. The ideas of the Enlightenment later led to America’s independence.

EDWARD TAYLOR is the best author of the Colonial period. His poetry influenced the metaphysical poets. A very productive author was COTTON MATHER, who wrote more than 400 books in which he described the society of his time. _Magnalia Christi Americana_ is his most famous work.

The late 18th century in America (1765-1790) is the REVOLUTIONARY AGE. This is the time of the American Revolution and the AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE which started in 1775. The war was fought between the 13 British colonies in North America and the Kingdom of Great Britain. Upon the beginning of the war, in 1776, the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE was drafted by THOMAS JEFFERSON. The Colonies won the war in 1783 and gained independence.

Nine states had ratified the UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION by 1788, thus the new

government was established, as well as the first Senate and the House of Representatives. In 1789 GEORGE WASHINGTON took office, becoming the first president of the United States.

Most of the writing of that time was influenced by the revolutionary spirit. One of the most talented early writers is considered to be THOMAS JEFFERSON. His autobiography _The Notes on the State of Virginia_, _The Declaration of Independence_ and the influence he had on _the_ _Constitution_ led to this fact. FISHER AMES, JAMES OTIS, and PATRICK HENRY are among the authors who were appreciated for their political writings.

ABIGAIL ADAMS – the wife of John Adams (the 1st vice president and the 2nd president of the USA) was one of the most well-read women in America. She wrote numerous letters which tell us about the customs, habits and every day life of the colonial times. She was also one of the most influential women of her time – she fought for women’s rights (Rozakis, 1999).

One of the greatest writers of the colonial time, an inventor, printer, politician, diplomat

and scientist is known by the name of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Among numerous of his inventions are: bi-focal glasses, the lightning rod, the harmonica, swimming fins… He also founded the first public library, the first city hospital, the first insurance company and the University of Pennsylvania. Even though he never thought of himself as a serious writer, his _Autobiography_ is considered to be one of the best autobiographies of the world (Rozakis, 1999).

THOMAS PAINE is an author whose pamphlets were read aloud to Washington’s troops before a battle with the British. His works include: Common Sense, The Rights of Man, The Age of Reason, The American Crisis.

WILLIAM HILL BROWN’S  The Power of Sympathy_ is believed to be the first American

novel, published in 1789.

Europe

In most of Europe, the 18th century is known as THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT. It developed in France, Britain and Germany and spread all over the rest of Europe.

This is the time of THE FRENCH REVOLUTION (1789-1799). Influenced by the American

Declaration of Independence, in 1789 the French published THE DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE

MAN AND OF THE CITIZEN.

Famous figures of that time include DENIS DIDEROT, who participated in the making of The Encyclopedia, IMMANUEL KANT, MONTESQUIEU, VOLTAIRE, J.J. ROUSSEAU and many other.

The most important writers of the period are: JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE -_The Sorrows of Young Werther_ (1774) and FRIEDRICH SCHILLER -The Robbers_ (1781).

References:

1. Carter, McRae; The Penguin Guide to English Literature; Penguin Books Ltd, 1996

2. Rozakis; The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Literature; Alpha, 1999

3. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bl1700s.htm

4. http://www.wikipedia.com

5. http:// www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/oldworld/europe/english.html

6. http://home.iae.nl/users/scehv/el/newpage2.htm