英国文学史及选读unit 4 The 18th Century.ppt

Unit Four The 18th Century Question for 18th-c: What were the two-party system in England during the 18th century? What was the most important intellectual event of the time? What are the meaning of enlightenment and the features of the Enlightenment Movement in England. Why did English novel appear in this century? What are the major forms of literature? Why did literature of Sentimentality and Gothicism come into being in the latter part of the century? I. Historical Background Politically: After Bourgeois Revolution, the Tory and Whig joined hands against tyranny and restoration of Catholicism, and welcomed to the throne Mary and her husband, William of Orange (Glorious Revolution/Bloodless Revolution) in 1688, thus ending the autocratic monarchy 君主独裁制, replacing it with a constitutional monarchy 君主立宪制. The power passed from the king gradually to the parliament and cabinet ministers. With it established the capitalist system once and for all in England . Socially: Age of Bourgeoisie The old aristocratic class was fast loosing its power politically and economically to the rising urban middle class or bourgeoisie who worked hard, economized and accumulated great wealth and became the mainstay of the nation. The Puritan spirit of wisdom, diligence, honesty, and thriftiness contributed greatly to the development of the country. They accumulated more wealth and money, and their social status was raised. Economically: Industrial Revolution the beginning of larger- scale manufacturing continued to expand its colonies abroad in Asia, Africa and North America, which led to social unrest in Scotland, Ireland, America Ideologically: Age of Enlightenment Under the influence of scientific discoveries (New