In-Depth Notes on the Eighteenth Century

Eighteenth Century: Overview

  • Known as the Enlightenment or Age of Reason; an era marked by colonial enterprise, slavery, and empire expansion.

Glorious Revolution (1688)

  • Transition from James II (Stuart) to William III and Mary II (protestant nobility).
    • Peaceful political change, no bloodshed.
    • James II criticized for authoritarianism and Catholicism.
    • Parliament gains power to meet and levy taxes.
    • Enacted the Bill of Rights (1689): No monarch can be Catholic or marry a Catholic.

Transition of Monarchy

  • Key Monarchs:
    • Elizabeth I: Last Tudor monarch.
    • James I: First Stuart monarch.
    • Charles I: Executed for failing to convene Parliament.
    • Charles II: Stuart, restored monarchy post-interregnum.
    • James II: Run out by Parliament, fled to France.
    • William and Mary: Protestant monarchy; later succeeded by Anne (Hanovers).

Factions within Government

  • Royalists vs. Parliamentarians:
    • Royalists (Tory Party): Advocate for monarchy, traditionalism, and hierarchical privileges.
    • Parliamentarians (Whig Party): Support parliamentary power, represent the merchant class, and push for social progress.

Philosophical Influences: Alexander Pope

  • "Essay on Man":
    • Emphasizes divine order in nature and human moral limitations.
    • Advocates for acceptance of human weakness, aligning with the Tory perspective (natural order).
  • Contrasts Nature vs. Culture:
    • Nature (Defoe's Crusoe): Emphasizes a natural state of purity.
    • Culture (Pope): Asserts the need for cultural guidance to manage human flaws.

Educated Citizenry

  • Push for knowledge and reason among citizens to foster participation in governance.
    • This educational movement responds to the violence of past revolutions.
    • Literature adopts educational roles; examples include poems about astronomy.

Impact on Colonization

  • Justification of English colonization through revealed theology, portraying it as beneficial for ‘savages.’
    • "Robinson Crusoe": Illustrates English views on civilization and colonization.

Literary Genres

  • Novels: Originated in this era.
    • Notable examples:
    • Oronooko: Trial novel.
    • Robinson Crusoe: First full novel.
  • Didactic Poetry: Intended to teach moral lessons.
    • Examples: "Paradise Lost" by Milton, "Essay on Man" by Pope.

Joseph Addison's “Britain's Place in the World”

  • Explores Britain's growing moral and cultural responsibilities in early 18th century.
    • Themes of:
    1. Moral Responsibility: Exemplifying virtue in governance.
    2. Cultural Influence: Promoting English culture to strengthen global position.
    3. Political Unity: Emphasizing internal stability for national strength.
    4. Balance of Power: Navigating international relations peaceably.

James Thomson’s “Rule Britannia”

  • Poem heralding British strength and superiority over tyranny.
    • Themes:
    • Divine sanctioning of Britain’s power and freedom.
    • Celebration of British commerce and influence.

Samuel Johnson’s Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language

  • Observed the complexity and chaos in English language.
    • Advocated for a dictionary to preserve and stabilize the language amidst evolving interactions with diverse cultures.

Abu Talib Khan's “Ode to London”

  • Celebrates London and its beauty, particularly its women.
    • Contrasts his past longings for Paradise with the allure of London’s charms.
    • Explores themes of desire, cultural exchange, and spiritual transformation.

Conclusion

  • The Eighteenth Century embodies significant political, cultural, and philosophical developments in Britain, shaping modern understanding of governance, identity, and society.