The 18th century was marked by major transformations associated with the activities of Peter I. Russia became a major power: military power strengthened, ties with other states, science and technology gained great development. Of course, all this could not but affect the development of literature and culture. Both Peter and Catherine understood very well that overcoming the inertia and backwardness of the country is possible only with the help of education, culture and literature.
Features of classicism
Literature of the 18th century deserves special consideration . In the perception of the modern reader, it is associated with such names as: M.V. Lomonosov, A.N. Radishchev. So, in literature, classicism is emerging - a direction whose founders are rightly considered masters of the word of art. At school, students write work on the topic "18th Century Literature in the Perception of the Modern Reader." The composition should express the opinion of our contemporary on the literature of the era of classicism. It is necessary to touch upon the form and content of the works.
In the first place, the classicists put duty and honor, personal feelings had to obey the social principle. Of course, the literature of the 18th century is complicated in perception. The modern reader is confused by a special language, style. Classic writers created works adhering to the theory of trinity. This means that the events reflected in the work should have been limited in time, place and action. An important role in classicism was played by the “three calm” theory, which belongs to MV Lomonosov. According to this theory, genres in literature were divided into three groups. At first, the ode was very popular, kings, heroes and gods were praised in it. The authors listed their merits, but often not those that they actually achieved, but those that they should have achieved for the benefit of the people. But soon satire will actively develop. Disappointed in the fair rule of the kings, poets and writers in poems and comedies, through satirical mockery, condemned the vices of the highest judges. Take, for example, Derzhavin’s work “Felitsa”. It combines ode and satire. Glorifying Catherine, Gabriel Romanovich at the same time denounces her courtiers. “Felitsa” has received great recognition at one time. The poet was brought close to the court. However, very soon Derzhavin was greatly disappointed in the power of the powerful.
Specifics of the composition
However, gradually the framework in which classicism was concluded begins to limit the possibilities of art masters. "18th Century Literature in the Perception of the Modern Reader" - an essay (grade 9) on this topic should give an idea of the literary trends of that time. A school essay on this topic should include elements for the analysis of fiction. For example, if you take a classic poem, it is precisely because of these strict rules and an ornate language that the literature of the 18th century is difficult for the modern reader to perceive.
Sentimentalism
If the classicists took as their basis the social principle, the civic duty of a person, then the sentimentalists who appeared after them turned to the inner world of the heroes, to their personal experiences. A special place in sentimentalism belongs to N. M. Karamzin. The end of the 18th century was marked by the transition to a new direction in literature, called “romanticism”. The protagonist of the romantic work was an ideal character, absolutely lonely and suffering, protesting against the injustice of life.
The literature of the 18th century in the perception of the modern reader has not lost its significance, but may even have received new recognition. It has not lost its relevance today, because the problems raised and solved by the masters of the 18th century also disturb the reader today. We still continue to love and suffer from unrequited love. We often make a choice between feeling and duty. But are we satisfied with the modern social structure?
Modern rating
Therefore, it is important that the theme “18th Century Literature in the Perception of the Modern Reader” on the example of the works of specific authors reflect the contemporary attitude. It is especially necessary to dwell on such works: “Poor Lisa” by N. M. Karamzin, “Rulers and Judges” by G. R. Derzhavin, “Undergrowth” by D. I. Fonvizin.
Can the story of the poor girl Liza from the novel by N. M. Karamzin, who has fallen in love and deceived, committed suicide at such a young age, not affect her heart?
The comedy "The Little Boy" deserves careful attention. The main problem that the author raises is enlightenment. He himself was of the opinion that home education, widespread among the noble family, was not as useful for children as it seemed. Children, brought up at home, fully adopt all the habits and behaviors of adults, become unsuitable for independent living. Such is Mitrofan. He lives in an atmosphere of lies and spiritual squalor, sees in front of him only the negative sides of reality. The writer, emphasizing the copying by Mitrofanushka of the manner of others, raises the question: who will grow out of it?
The world is in constant progress. With the latest achievements, people have gone far ahead. And sometimes classicism seems to us not quite appropriate and correct, and “tearful dramas” cause a smile with their naivety. But the merit of 18th century literature can in no way be underestimated, and over time its role in the general context of literature will only grow.
Thus, the literature of the 18th century in the perception of the modern reader will remain, no matter what, a special milestone in the development of Russian literature and culture.