What meaning does the term Age of Sensibility convey to you
The term Age of Sensibility refers
to a cultural and literary movement that appeared between the 1750s and the
beginning of the 19th century, or roughly the second half of the 18th century.
During this time, sensitivities in philosophy, literature, and the arts
changed, emphasizing feelings, empathy, and people's interior experiences more
than before. Rationality, reason, and empirical investigation were given
priority during the preceding Age of Reason and Enlightenment, which was
followed by the Age of Sensibility, often referred to as the Age of Sentiment.
Historical and Cultural Context:
Numerous historical and cultural elements contributed to the creation of the Age of Sensibility. It came after the Enlightenment, which was defined by rationality and an emphasis on intellectual and scientific progress.
What meaning does the term Age of Sensibility convey to you-The 18th and 19th centuries saw a rise in
the realization that reason was insufficient to fully comprehend the
intricacies of human nature and emotions.
Cultural Backlash against Enlightenment Rationalism:
The Age of Sensibility can be seen
as a reaction to the perceived coldness and intellectual rigidity of the
Enlightenment. There was a growing desire to explore the emotional and
subjective aspects of human experience that were somewhat neglected during the
preceding era.
Philosophical Influences:
Philosophers like Jean-Jacques
Rousseau played a significant role in shaping the sensibilities of this age.
Rousseau's emphasis on the "noble savage" and the idea that humans
are inherently good but corrupted by society resonated with the sentimentalist
ideals of the time.
Literary and Artistic Expression:
The Age of Sensibility found
expression in various art forms, including literature, poetry, drama, and
visual arts. It marked a departure from the neoclassical emphasis on reason and
formal structure, embracing a more emotional and spontaneous approach to
artistic expression.
Key Characteristics of the Age of
Sensibility:
Emphasis on Emotion and Sensibility:
The central characteristic of this
age is the heightened focus on emotions, sentiment, and sensibility. Writers
and artists sought to explore and evoke genuine emotional responses in their
audience, valuing the expression of feelings and empathy for others.
Individual Experience and Subjectivity:
There was a shift towards valuing
individual experience and subjectivity. Writers and artists began to explore
the inner lives of characters, delving into personal feelings, introspection,
and the nuances of human psychology.
Nature and the Sublime:
The Age of Sensibility had a deep
appreciation for nature and the sublime. Nature was seen as a source of
inspiration and a reflection of emotional states. The sublime, with its
awe-inspiring and often overwhelming qualities, became a powerful theme in
literature and art.
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Concern for Social Issues:
Sensibility extended beyond
personal emotions to a concern for social issues and empathy for the suffering
of others. There was an increased awareness of social injustices, leading to a
desire for social reform and philanthropy.
Fiction and the Novel:
The novel became a popular literary
form during this period. Novelists like Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, and
later, Jane Austen, explored the emotional and moral complexities of characters
in their works. The novel provided a platform for in-depth examinations of
human nature and societal interactions.
Literary Works of the Age of
Sensibility:
Samuel Richardson's
"Pamela" (1740) and "Clarissa" (1748):
Richardson's novels are exemplary
of the sentimental novel, delving into the emotional lives of the protagonists
and exploring themes of virtue, morality, and the complexities of human
relationships.
Henry Mackenzie's "The Man of
Feeling" (1771):
Mackenzie's novel is a classic
example of sentimental fiction, portraying the experiences and emotions of its
central character as he navigates through a world filled with joys and sorrows.
Edward Young's "Night
Thoughts" (1742-1745):
A long poem exploring the themes of
life, death, and the afterlife, "Night Thoughts" reflects the
sensibility of the age, engaging with the profound emotions and existential
questions of human existence.
William Blake's Poetry:
Blake's visionary and often
mystical poetry, such as "Songs of Innocence and of Experience,"
reflects the sensibility of the age, combining a deep appreciation for nature
with an exploration of human emotions and societal issues.
Mary Shelley's
"Frankenstein" (1818):
While on the cusp of the Romantic
era, Shelley's "Frankenstein" is influenced by the sensibility of the
age, exploring themes of isolation, empathy, and the consequences of unchecked
scientific ambition.
The Legacy of the Age of Sensibility:
The Age of Sensibility had a
lasting impact on literature, art, and societal attitudes, laying the
groundwork for the Romantic movement that would follow. Its emphasis on
emotions, individual experience, and a deep connection to nature challenged the
rationalistic tendencies of the Enlightenment and set the stage for a more
subjective and introspective approach to artistic expression.
Transition to Romanticism:
The sensibility of this age marked
a transition to the Romantic period, where the exploration of emotions, nature,
and the subjective experience became central themes. Romantic poets like
Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Byron continued and expanded upon the sensibility of
their predecessors.
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Influence on Social Reform:
The concern for social issues and
empathy for the suffering of others that characterized the Age of Sensibility
contributed to the groundwork for social reform movements in the 19th century.
Philanthropy and a sense of social responsibility became prominent values.
Impact on the Novel:
The focus on individual experience
and the exploration of emotions significantly influenced the development of the
novel as a literary form. The novels of the Age of Sensibility set the stage
for the psychological depth and character development that would become central
to the 19th-century novel.
Cultural Shift in Attitudes:
The Age of Sensibility contributed
to a cultural shift in attitudes towards emotions and the inner lives of
individuals. It challenged the notion that reason alone could fully comprehend
the complexities of human existence, paving the way for a more nuanced
understanding of the human psyche.
Conclusion
The Age of Sensibility spanning
from the mid-18th to the early 19th century, represents a significant shift in
cultural, literary, and philosophical sensibilities. An abundance of historical
and cultural factors gave rise to the Age of Sensibility.
It succeeded the Enlightenment,
which was characterized by reason and a focus on advancements in science and
the arts. The understanding that reason alone was unable to completely
understand the complexities of human nature and emotions began to take shape in
the 18th and 19th centuries.
What meaning does the term Age of Sensibility convey to you-Literary works of the Age of Sensibility,
such as Samuel Richardson's "Pamela," Henry Mackenzie's "The Man
of Feeling," and the poetry of William Blake, exemplify the movement's
emphasis on sentimentalism, virtue, and the complexities of human
relationships. The legacy of this age extends beyond its immediate timeframe,
influencing the Romantic movement that followed and contributing to a cultural
shift in attitudes toward emotions and social responsibility.
The Age of Sensibility, with its
exploration of the sublime in nature, the individual's subjective experience,
and a heightened sense of empathy, played a crucial role in shaping the
cultural landscape of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Its impact
resonates in the continued exploration of emotions and the subjective realm in literature,
art, and societal discourse.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Q 1. What defines the Age of Sensibility?
The Age of Sensibility, also known
as the Age of Sentiment, is characterized by a cultural and literary movement
that emerged in the mid-18th century. It emphasized emotions, individual
experiences, and a deep connection to nature in response to the rationalism of
the Enlightenment.
Q 2. How did the Age of Sensibility differ from the
Enlightenment?
The Age of Sensibility represented
a departure from the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, empiricism, and
intellectual inquiry. It celebrated emotions, individual subjectivity, and a
more intuitive understanding of human nature.
Q 3. Who were some key figures of the Age of Sensibility?
Key figures of the Age of
Sensibility include Samuel Richardson, Henry Mackenzie, William Blake, and Mary
Shelley. These writers, among others, contributed to the movement through their
exploration of emotions, virtue, and the complexities of human relationships.
Q 4. How did the Age of Sensibility influence the development
of the novel?
The Age of Sensibility
significantly influenced the development of the novel by prioritizing
individual experiences, emotions, and character development. Novels of this
era, such as Samuel Richardson's "Pamela," set the stage for the
psychological depth seen in 19th-century novels.
Q 5. What role did nature play in the Age of Sensibility?
Nature played a crucial role in the
Age of Sensibility, where it was seen as a source of inspiration and a
reflection of emotional states. The sublime qualities of nature were explored
in literature and art as a means of connecting with the profound and
awe-inspiring aspects of existence.
Q 6. How did the Age of Sensibility contribute to social
reform?
The Age of Sensibility contributed
to social reform by fostering a concern for social issues and empathy for the
suffering of others. Philanthropy and a sense of social responsibility became
prominent values during this period.
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