PO3 - Lesson: Enlightenment Poetry

A portrait of Jonathan Swift painted by Charles Jervas in 1710.Enlightenment Poetry

Eighteenth-century English poetry saw a transition from the neoclassical ideals of the preceding century to the emergence of the Romantic movement. Poets like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift (pictured to the right) exemplified the neoclassical tradition, emphasizing wit, satire, and formal structure. Towards the end of the century, poets such as William Blake and William Wordsworth embraced a more emotional and nature-centric approach, paving the way for the Romantic era in the 19th century.

Qualities of Enlightenment Poetry

Here are some characteristics of 18th-century British poetry.

  • Neo-Classical Aesthetics: Much of 18th-century English poetry adhered to neoclassical principles, valuing order, balance, and restraint. Poets like Alexander Pope championed the use of formal structures, heroic couplets, and elevated language.
  • Satirical Tone: Satire was a prominent feature in many poems of the time, with writers like Jonathan Swift using their verses to criticize and mock societal and political issues. Satirical commentary often took the form of sharp wit and clever wordplay.
  • Social Critique: Poets frequently engaged in social commentary, addressing the moral and ethical dilemmas of their society. Issues such as the corruption of power, class disparities, and the changing dynamics of urban life found expression in the poetry of this era.
  • Transition towards Romanticism: Towards the end of the 18th century, a shift occurred, anticipating the Romantic movement. Poets like William Blake and William Wordsworth began to emphasize emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature, marking a departure from the rationalism of neoclassicism.

Reviewing Characteristics

Let’s read some lines of 18th-century British poetry and come up with a description. Read the lines on the front of the card and create a brief summary of the poem, linking it to the Enlightenment movement. Once you have done this, turn the card over for a sample summary.

Notice that the descriptions don’t just summarize the poetry but show how the poems reflect characteristics of 18th-century poetry.

Reflection

18th-century British poetry encompasses a diverse range of styles and themes, transitioning from neoclassical aesthetics marked by order and satire, as seen in the works of Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, to the advent of Romanticism with poets like William Blake and William Wordsworth emphasizing emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature. Also, notice all those rhyming couplets and balanced lines.

A final image, from the Enlightenment era, to leave off with:

Marriage A-la-Mode 2, The Tête à Tête by William Hogarth
This painting is called Marriage A-la-Mode: 2, The Tête à Tête by William Hogarth. What do you see when you look at this painting from the middle of the 18th century? What sort of feeling or emotion does the title evoke? Do the characters in this portrait look serious? What do you think Hogarth's aim was in painting this?

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