This paper explores the profound influence of literature on human beings, drawing examples from significant literary works of the 18th and 19th centuries. Literature, after all, is fundamentally about human life. Through an analysis of key texts from the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Victorian eras, I examine how literature has shaped human thought, culture, and societal norms. By delving into works by authors such as Voltaire, Mary Shelley, and Charles Dickens, as well as poets, such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Emily Dickinson, I highlight the transformative power of literature in reflecting and influencing the human condition.
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Literature has long been a mirror to society, reflecting its values, concerns, and aspirations. The 18th and 19th centuries, marked by significant intellectual and social upheaval, saw literature play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and individual consciousness. For instance, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” not only delves into themes of scientific ambition and ethical responsibility but also reflects the anxieties of the Industrial Revolution and the quest for identity. This paper investigates how literature from these periods influenced human beings, fostering intellectual growth, emotional depth, and social reform.
Through a critical analysis of key texts, it explores the capacity of literature to enhance analytical skills, stimulate critical thinking, and encourage reflective engagement with societal issues. By examining how literary works challenge prevailing norms and provoke thoughtful discussion, this study highlights the transformative power of literature in shaping human consciousness and promoting progressive change.
The Enlightenment: Rationalism and Human Rights
The Enlightenment era, spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, was characterized by an emphasis on reason, science, and individual rights. Literature from this period often challenged existing social and political norms, advocating for enlightenment and progress. The Enlightenment’s intellectual movement was driven by thinkers who promoted knowledge, freedom, and skepticism towards traditional authorities. Literary works from this period reflected these ideals and played a significant role in shaping public consciousness.
Voltaire’s “Candide” is a satirical novel that critiques the optimism and philosophical rationalism prevalent during the Enlightenment. Through the protagonist’s journey, Voltaire exposes the absurdities of blind optimism and the harsh realities of the world. This work influenced readers to question dogmatic beliefs and consider the importance of critical thinking and empirical evidence.
Voltaire, one of the most prominent Enlightenment philosophers, used “Candide” to attack the Leibnizian philosophy of optimism, which posits that we live in the “best of all possible worlds.” Through Candide’s misadventures and encounters with various forms of human suffering, Voltaire satirizes the idea that every event has a predetermined purpose for the greater good. The novel’s famous line, “All is for the best, in the best of all possible worlds,” becomes a refrain of irony as Candide witnesses and experiences profound misfortune.
“Candide” had a significant impact on its contemporary audience, challenging them to reconsider their perspectives on suffering, happiness, and the role of Providence. It also contributed to the broader Enlightenment critique of religious and political authorities, encouraging readers to adopt a more skeptical and empirical approach to understanding the world.
Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” is another exemplary work of the Enlightenment, using satire to critique human nature, society, and the follies of human institutions. The novel’s portrayal of various fictional societies prompts readers to reflect on their own societal norms and the potential for human improvement through reason and moral integrity.
Swift’s work is a satirical narrative that follows Lemuel Gulliver’s voyages to several fantastical lands, including Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, and the land of the Houyhnhnms. Each voyage serves as a critique of different aspects of human society and behavior. For example, the tiny Lilliputians represent the pettiness and triviality of political conflicts, while the giants of Brobdingnag expose the grotesque nature of human pride and ambition when viewed from a different perspective.
One of the most profound sections of the novel is Gulliver’s encounter with the Houyhnhnms, a race of rational horses who live in a society governed by reason and devoid of the vices that plague human beings. In contrast, the Yahoos, who resemble humans, embody all the worst aspects of humanity. Through this juxtaposition, Swift critiques the Enlightenment’s optimistic view of human nature and suggests that reason alone is insufficient to achieve moral perfection.
“Gulliver’s Travels” influenced contemporary and later readers by challenging them to reflect on the shortcomings of their own societies and the limitations of human reason. Swift’s satirical approach made his critiques accessible and compelling, encouraging readers to question their assumptions and strive for moral and social improvement.
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The Romantic era, spanning the late 18th to the mid-19th century, emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment. Romantic literature often explored the depths of human emotion and the sublime aspects of nature. The Romantics valued imagination, intuition, and the individual’s experience of the world, often celebrating the beauty and power of the natural environment.
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley delves into the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical implications of scientific advancement. The novel’s exploration of the monstrous and the sublime reflects Romantic concerns with the limits of human knowledge and the potential for emotional and moral failure. Shelley’s work influenced readers to consider the moral responsibilities accompanying scientific progress and the importance of empathy.
The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient being through his experiments but then abandons his creation out of fear and disgust. The creature, left to navigate the world alone, experiences rejection and suffering, ultimately turning to vengeance against his creator. Shelley’s narrative raises questions about the consequences of playing God, the responsibilities of creators towards their creations, and the ethical limits of scientific exploration.
“Frankenstein” also reflects Romantic themes of the sublime, a concept that captures the awe-inspiring and sometimes terrifying aspects of nature. The novel’s descriptions of the Swiss Alps and the Arctic wilderness highlight the power and majesty of the natural world, contrasting with the artificial and destructive endeavors of human beings. Shelley’s work influenced readers to recognize the limits of human control and the need for humility in the face of nature’s vastness.
The impact of “Frankenstein” extends beyond its immediate reception, as it has continued to inspire discussions about bioethics, scientific responsibility, and the consequences of technological advancement. Shelley’s novel remains a touchstone for exploring the complexities of human ambition and the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific innovation.
Wordsworth’s “Lyrical Ballads,” co-authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, marked a departure from classical poetic forms, emphasizing simple language and the beauty of everyday life. Wordsworth’s poetry celebrated nature and the human spirit, encouraging readers to reconnect with their emotions and the natural world. This shift towards individual emotional experience and nature significantly influenced contemporary and later literary works.
The publication of “Lyrical Ballads” is often seen as the beginning of the Romantic movement in English literature. Wordsworth’s preface to the 1800 edition outlines his poetic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of depicting ordinary life and emotions in a language accessible to all readers. This democratic approach to poetry challenged the conventions of neoclassical literature, which often prioritized formality and elevated subjects.
One of Wordsworth’s most famous poems from the collection, “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey,” exemplifies his focus on nature and memory. In the poem, Wordsworth reflects on the restorative power of nature and its ability to evoke deep emotional responses. He describes how the natural landscape has shaped his identity and provided solace during times of distress.
Wordsworth’s celebration of nature and the individual’s emotional experience resonated with readers, inspiring a renewed appreciation for the natural world and the introspective exploration of the self. His work influenced subsequent generations of poets and writers, including the Transcendentalists in America, who embraced similar themes of nature and individualism.
Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” also part of “Lyrical Ballads,” is a narrative poem that explores themes of sin, redemption, and the natural world. The poem tells the story of an old mariner who is cursed after killing an albatross, leading to the death of his crewmates and his own prolonged suffering. Through supernatural and symbolic elements, Coleridge delves into the consequences of disrupting the natural order and the possibility of spiritual redemption through suffering and repentance.
The poem’s vivid imagery and rhythmic language capture the reader’s imagination, creating a haunting and immersive experience. Coleridge’s use of the supernatural reflects Romanticism’s fascination with the mysterious and the sublime. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” influenced readers to consider the moral implications of their actions and the interconnectedness of all living things.
The Victorian era, spanning the mid-19th to early 20th century, witnessed rapid industrialization, urbanization, and significant social change. Literature from this period often addressed social injustices and advocated for reform. Victorian writers used their works to highlight the disparities between different social classes and to call attention to the plight of the poor and marginalized.
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Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” exposes the harsh realities of poverty, child labor, and the inadequacies of social institutions in Victorian England. Through the plight of the orphan Oliver, Dickens critiques societal neglect and calls for compassion and social justice. Dickens’ vivid portrayal of social issues influenced public opinion and contributed to social reforms in Britain.
“Oliver Twist” is a powerful social novel that follows the life of a young orphan who escapes from a workhouse and falls in with a gang of juvenile criminals in London. Dickens uses Oliver’s story to highlight the brutal conditions faced by the poor, particularly children, in Victorian society. The novel’s depiction of workhouses, criminal underworlds, and the systemic exploitation of the vulnerable serves as a scathing indictment of the social and economic inequalities of the time.
Dickens’ portrayal of characters such as the ruthless Fagin and the kind-hearted Mr. Brownlow emphasizes the moral choices individuals face in the context of broader social injustices. The novel’s success brought widespread attention to the need for social reform, contributing to changes in attitudes towards poverty and the implementation of policies aimed at improving the conditions of the poor.
The impact of “Oliver Twist” extends beyond its immediate social context, as it has continued to influence discussions about social justice and the responsibilities of society towards its most vulnerable members. Dickens’ ability to combine compelling storytelling with a strong social message has made “Oliver Twist” a lasting and influential work in the canon of English literature.
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë is a novel that combines elements of social criticism with a strong, individualistic protagonist. Jane’s journey towards self-discovery and independence challenges the restrictive norms of Victorian society, particularly regarding gender roles and class mobility. The novel’s exploration of personal integrity and social equality inspired readers to reconsider traditional social structures and advocate for women’s rights.
Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Emily Dickinson’s poetry, characterized by its innovative use of form and language, explores themes of existence, death, and the inner life. Dickinson’s work challenges conventional notions of identity and societal norms, inviting readers to engage with profound questions of human experience. Her influence extends beyond her lifetime, impacting modern poetry and our understanding of individuality and introspection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the literature of the 18th and 19th centuries offers a compelling reflection of human life and societal evolution. By examining key texts from the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Victorian eras, this paper reveals how literature has significantly influenced human thought, culture, and social norms.
The Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and individualism is captured in works like Voltaire’s Candide and Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, which challenged traditional beliefs and encouraged a more critical examination of society. These texts played a role in shaping public attitudes towards authority and intellectual freedom.
The Romantic era’s focus on emotion and nature, as seen in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Wordsworth’s Lyrical Ballads, highlighted the importance of personal experience and the natural world. These works not only offered new ways of understanding individual emotions but also prompted readers to reflect on their own lives and values.
In the Victorian period, literature like Dickens’ Oliver Twist and Brontë’s Jane Eyre addressed pressing social issues such as poverty and gender inequality. These narratives brought attention to social injustices and advocated for reform, influencing public perceptions and contributing to societal change.
Overall, the literature from these periods demonstrates its profound impact on human life by reflecting societal values, challenging existing norms, and inspiring change. While literature alone cannot resolve societal issues, it plays a crucial role in shaping discussions, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging empathy, thus contributing to the ongoing evolution of human society.
Academic Journal Articles:
Wallace, M. “The Satirical Vision of Jonathan Swift and Voltaire: A Comparative Study.” Enlightenment and Modernity Journal 9, no. 2 (2005): 67-85. https://doi.org/10.1177/0030913X0500900203
Author: Kawsar Ahamed
