6V - The Age of Reason Pt 1

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The Age of Reason Pt 1

Literature - 6VWO

Today's lesson

• Short introduction to the Age of Reason
  
• What is satire?
• Reading: excerpt of Gulliver's Travels + exercises
  
• Next lesson: presentations 

The Eighteenth Century

The Neo-Classical Period / The Age of Reason

• Neo-Classical: classical influence > absolute authority
• Result: "good art" >> imitation of the classics

• Reason: rational and balanced judgement, based on knowledge, no personal emotions
• Result: "good art" > strict rules regarding form and content

The Eighteenth Century

• Britain: becomes the world's leading economic power

• Wealth based on colonies and trade
• Tea, silks and spices (India)
• Atlantic "Triangular Trade"
• Industrial Revolution (introduction of steam engine)

Triangular trade

• Slaves
  
• Plantation crops (sugar, cotton and tobacco)
  
• Manufactured goods
  

What is satire?

• Originates as a literary form (dates back to Ancient Greece)
  
• Exaggerates tendencies 
  
• Aims to make people laugh, but also to let them think
  
• > Form of protest > Humor as a weapon
  
• Seen as an enlightened form of sarcasm
  
• Has many forms: subtle or blatant / serious or silly
  

How does satire work?

• Literal satire: looks/feels/seems realistic, but...
  
• little things are exaggerated to show their ridiculousness

• Unrealistic satire: fantastic places + unrealistic settings 
  
• > metaphors for world we live in
  

How does satire work?

• When people laugh they are more relaxed and willing to engage with a speaker/artist
• Satire makes people look at things more objectively

Excerpt Gulliver's Travels

Go to p. 34-36

Read along with the excerpt

How does Jonathan Swift make the story satirical?

What is your opinion about the extract?

Homework

Read the excerpt once more

Do assignment 15 (p. 36)

Next week: The Romantic Period