18th Century English Literature

18th-century English literature, spanning roughly from 1700 to 1800, was characterized by the rise of satirical writing, philosophical inquiry, and the development of modern genres. Writers like Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, and Samuel Johnson used wit and reason to critique society, politics, and human nature. The period saw the emergence of the novel as a prominent form, with authors such as Daniel Defoe and Henry Fielding exploring individual characters and social issues. It was also marked by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and empirical thought, shaping literature that reflected social reform, intellectual exploration, and a growing interest in human experience and morality.