Literature in the Age of Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment, spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, was a period marked by a focus on reason, science, and individualism. In literature, writers began to emphasize rational thought and questioning traditional beliefs, often challenging societal norms. Prominent authors like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Swift explored themes of liberty, justice, and human nature. This era also saw the rise of new genres, such as the novel, which provided insights into personal and social issues. Overall, Enlightenment literature sought to illuminate human experience through reason and critique, laying the groundwork for modern thought and democracy.