Enlightenment ideals

Definition

Enlightenment ideals refer to the philosophical principles that emerged during the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. These ideas promoted the belief in progress, scientific inquiry, and the inherent rights of individuals, shaping cultural and intellectual movements that influenced society and politics. They played a significant role in transforming theatre by introducing new themes related to morality, domestic life, and emotional authenticity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enlightenment ideals significantly influenced the development of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy, emphasizing moral lessons and emotional depth in storytelling.
2. The rise of sentimental comedy featured characters who underwent emotional journeys, reflecting the Enlightenment's focus on human experience and empathy.
3. Domestic tragedy arose from Enlightenment ideals by portraying everyday lives and moral dilemmas of ordinary people, highlighting societal issues and personal struggles.
4. Playwrights during this period often aimed to provoke thought and encourage social reform by addressing themes like justice, morality, and the human condition.
5. The popularity of these genres marked a shift from the grandiose themes of earlier theatre, showcasing the impact of Enlightenment ideals on the evolution of dramatic literature.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideals influence the structure and themes of sentimental comedy?
  • Enlightenment ideals shaped sentimental comedy by prioritizing emotional authenticity and moral lessons. Playwrights used relatable characters and situations to engage audiences emotionally while promoting social values such as compassion and empathy. This focus on individual experiences allowed viewers to reflect on their own lives, making sentimental comedy an effective vehicle for discussing societal norms.
• In what ways did domestic tragedy embody the principles of Enlightenment thought regarding everyday life?
  • Domestic tragedy embraced Enlightenment principles by depicting the struggles and moral challenges faced by ordinary individuals. This genre highlighted real-life issues such as family dynamics, personal sacrifice, and ethical dilemmas. By focusing on the human condition within domestic settings, playwrights encouraged audiences to empathize with characters' experiences, reinforcing the Enlightenment's emphasis on reasoned compassion.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Enlightenment ideals on theatre during this era and how it impacted societal views on morality.
  • The broader implications of Enlightenment ideals on theatre during this era transformed cultural perceptions of morality by elevating individual experience over traditional authority. The emergence of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy allowed audiences to confront complex social issues through relatable narratives. This shift not only fostered critical reflection on personal ethics but also inspired movements for social change, demonstrating how theatre became a powerful tool for exploring Enlightenment principles in everyday life.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth, advocating for logical thinking and critical analysis.

Individualism: The belief in the importance of individual rights and freedoms, asserting that each person has the right to pursue their own interests and make personal choices.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy that suggests individuals consent to form a society and government in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of order.