18th Century Enlightenment: Literature, Thought, and Arts

18th Century Enlightenment

Enlightenment Thought

The origins of the European Enlightenment are found in rationalism and empiricism. These currents nurtured the critical spirit of the Enlightenment. Descartes considered reason as the foundation of knowledge. Locke argued that human knowledge is based on observation and experimentation, enabling the examination of physical laws.

Enlightenment thought is characterized by:

• Curiosity for all types of knowledge (reflected in encyclopedias)
• Reformism and enlightened despotism in politics
• Humanitarianism in social matters
• Confidence in reason (scientism)
• Deism in religion
• Cultural utilitarianism

Encyclopedism

The French Encyclopédie was a crucial tool for disseminating Enlightenment thought, despite censorship in many countries. Its influence extended to all areas of knowledge, contributing to the triumph of reformism and enlightened despotism in politics.

Neoclassicism and Preromanticism

Neoclassicism, inspired by Greco-Roman models, followed classical rules, introduced universal motifs and characters, and had a didactic purpose, valuing reason and verisimilitude. Within Neoclassicism, the Rococo style emphasized ornate and elegant forms, along with a sentimental and ironic tone.

Preromanticism emerged in the late 18th century in Germany and England. This movement prioritized feeling over reason and advocated creative freedom against Neoclassical rules.

18th Century Literature

18th-century literary creation did not reach the heights of previous centuries, possibly due to the dominance of didactic and moralistic Neoclassical literature. Three main styles can be distinguished:

1. Post-Baroque: The Baroque style persisted in some countries, particularly Spain, during the early 18th century.
2. Neoclassicism: The most representative movement, emphasizing rationality and didacticism. Sentimental elements were incorporated into genres like fables and theater. Writers adhered to classical forms, using a simple style, although more elaborate Rococo literature also developed.
3. Preromanticism: Emerging in the latter half of the century in England and Germany, it rejected rationalism and its restrictive rules, adding a new sensitivity to nature and traditional lyric forms.

Literary Genres

The most developed genres were the philosophical essay and narrative. The essay expressed Enlightenment ideas in prose. Preromanticism marked a brilliant period for all genres—lyric, drama, and narrative—especially those with a sentimental and intimate tone.

Poetry

Several trends coexisted:

• Baroque Poetry: Exemplified by Diego Torres Villarroel, known for his satirical poetry.
• Neoclassical Poetry: Represented by Juan Meléndez Valdés, who followed classical principles.
• Preromantic Poetry: Explored metaphysical, educational, or social themes with intense emotionality.

Juan Meléndez Valdés

Considered the best poet of the time, Meléndez Valdés synthesized Neoclassicism and Preromanticism. Influenced by Luzán, he composed Anacreontics, odes, idylls, and pastorals. Later, influenced by Jovellanos, he transitioned to Preromanticism, writing romances and social poetry with humanitarian themes. His prose includes the comedy Camacho’s Wedding and discourses on Enlightenment ideas.

Prose

Prose flourished in the 18th century with writers like Feijoo and Jovellanos, who modernized and disseminated a simpler language. Three styles are identified:

1. Post-Baroque Prose: Represented by Diego Torres Villarroel’s satirical writings and autobiographical novel.
2. Neoclassical Enlightenment Prose: Highlighted by the essays and criticism of Feijoo, Jovellanos, and Cadalso’s Moroccan Letters, a social satire.
3. Preromantic Prose: Appeared at the end of the century with authors like Cadalso and Jovellanos.

Fray Benito Jerónimo Feijoo

Author of numerous didactic essays, Feijoo aimed to modernize society by challenging superstitions and folk beliefs in works like Universal Critical Theater and Learned and Curious.

José Cadalso

Cadalso’s Moroccan Letters is a representative work of Enlightenment narrative, critiquing Spanish customs, ideas, and social organization.

Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos

A prominent essayist, Jovellanos addressed economic, educational, agricultural, and legal issues. He criticized Baroque literature and advocated for a simple style. His essays reflect his concern for social problems and proposed reforms, as seen in Memory for the Settlement of Police Shows.

Theater

Enlightenment theater emphasized teaching and credibility. Several currents existed:

1. Post-Baroque Theater: Comedies, morality plays, and farces dominated the stage.
2. Neoclassical Theater: Established by Vicente García de la Huerta’s tragedy Raquel and Leandro Fernández de Moratín’s comedies.
3. Preromantic Theater: Sentimentality emerged in the works of authors like Jovellanos.