Shifts in Sensibility :: essays research papers

During the end of the seventeenth century and aboriginal eighteenth century a socio-political shift occurred. Sensibilities transferred from the logic of the erudition, or Neo-classical Period, to those feelings and emotions of the romanticist Age. During the Enlightenment authors such as Molire & Swift used agreement and rational to present their ideas. They address broad socio-political issues with their writings. Molire in his satirical work, Tartuffe, focuses upon hypocrisy within the clergy. He uses Clante to voice his instruction of logic against Tartuffe throughout the play. Swift, in A Modest Proposal, uses shock therapy to activate people into action with anger and wrath. Swift still uses the philosophy of the Enlightenment his narrator provides sound, well-considered arguments and logic in sharing his proposal. And Swift, himself, provides us with an actual amount of proposed solutions under disguise. Both authors attempted to bring about a transpose in society by reasoning with their audience.When the Enlightenment ended and the Romantics took hold, logic gave way to emotions. The Romantic Poets relied upon their feelings and were driven by their passions. They were inspired by personality and by the imagination. They focused upon the uniqueness of the individual, not broad socio-political issues. Rousseaus Confessions absolutely exemplifies the change in sensibilities. The piece focuses directly upon is unique, individual life. He relies tout ensemble on his feelings. His thoughts and longings center around his whims and fancy, not upon logic. He states that it is only objects for which he yearns which tempt and sometimes lead him to thievery. He would not consider theft actual money, which he could use to purchase the desired items. He prefers to let the impetuous passion guide his actions. He makes tracks for Paris which he had hear so much praised without any money or means of sustain or even any real plan for such (674). Rousseau cl aims that he is unable to simply sit and write what comes to mind, the train of thought process. He states that his writings under such circumstances result in dark and verbose ramblings of which his meaning is difficult to make out (672). He finds it lummox to organize his thoughts and opinions without adequate time to arrange his mind. Another prime employment of Romantic ideals is William Woodsworth Lines Composed Above Tintern Abbey. Woodsworth delightfully captures for the reader the beloved base of his youth. Only with the reflection of age does he realize that the natural bag lied within his imagination and the warmth of his memories.