The Late 18th Century

Why are we going backwards? To understand literature, need

To understand historical context; periods are useful shorthand

To know where concepts break down

What should we call this period? Age of Johnson Age of Sensibility: Defn: “Capacity for refined emotion; delicate sensitiveness of taste; also, readiness to feel compassion for suffering, and to be moved by the pathetic in literature or art.

What has changed? Satire still around, but not as central

Satire is different - gloomier, not as funny

Central concern is vanity rather than pride Still pride - conceit; but also Worthlessness or futility. Vanus = empty

What follows: stoicism; curtailment of expectations; resignation; avoidance of sloth