Essay in grade 9 "Literature of the 18th century in the perception of the modern reader"

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

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 were greatly developed. Of course, all this could not but affect the development of literature and culture. Both Peter and Catherine understood perfectly well that it was possible to overcome the inertia and backwardness of the country only with the help of education, culture and literature.

Features of classicism

18th century literature 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 born - a direction whose founders are rightfully considered masters of the artistic word. At school, students write a work on the topic "Literature of the 18th century in the perception of the modern reader." The essay should express the opinion of our contemporary about the literature of the era of classicism. It is necessary to touch upon the issues of form and content of works.

In the first place, the classicists put duty and honor, personal feelings had to obey the public principle. Of course, the literature of the 18th century is difficult to perceive. The modern reader is confused by the special language, style. Classicist writers created works adhering to the theory of the trinity. This means that the events reflected in the work had to be limited in time, place and action. Also an important role in classicism was played by the theory of "three calms", which belongs to M. V. Lomonosov. According to this theory, genres in literature were divided into three groups. At first, the ode was very popular, it praised the kings, heroes and gods. The authors listed their merits, but often not those that they actually achieved, but those that should have been achieved for the benefit of the people. But satire will soon develop actively. Disappointed in the just rule of kings, poets and writers in poems and comedies, through satirical ridicule, condemned the vices of the highest judges. Take, for example, Derzhavin's Felitsa. It combines ode and satire. Glorifying Catherine, Gavriil Romanovich at the same time denounces her courtiers. "Felitsa" received great recognition in its time. The poet was close to the court. However, very soon Derzhavin became very disappointed in the power of the powers that be.

Essay specifics

However, gradually, the framework in which classicism was enclosed begins to limit the possibilities of artistic masters. "Literature of the 18th century in the perception of modernreader" - an essay (Grade 9) on this topic should give an idea of the literary trends of that time. An essay at school on this topic should include elements of analysis of works of art. For example, if you take a classic poem, it is precisely because of these strict rules and ornate language and difficult literature of the 18th century in the perception of the modern reader.

Sentimentalism

If the classicists took as a basis the social principle, the civic duty of a person, then the sentimentalists who appeared after them turned to the inner world of the characters, to their personal experiences. A special place in sentimentalism belongs to N. M. Karamzin. The end of the 18th century was marked by a transition to a new direction in literature, called "romanticism". The main character of the romantic work was an ideal character, completely alone and suffering, protesting against the injustice of life.

Literature of the 18th century in the perception of the modern reader has not lost its significance, and perhaps even received a new recognition. It has not lost its relevance today, because the problems raised and solved by the masters of the 18th century are of concern to today's reader. We still continue to love and suffer from unrequited love. We often make a choice between feeling and duty. Are we satisfied with the modern social order?

Modern assessment

Therefore, it is important that the topic "Literature of the 18th century in the perception of the modern reader" reflects precisely the modern attitude on the example of the works of specific authors. It is especially necessary to dwell on such works: “Poor Lisa” by N. M. Karamzin, “Lords and Judges” by G. R. Derzhavin, “Undergrowth” by D. I. Fonvizin.

Is it possible that the story of the poor girl Liza from the story of N. M. Karamzin, who fell in love and deceived, committed suicide at such a young age, could not touch the heart.

The comedy "Undergrowth" also deserves attention. The main problem that the author raises is education. He himself was of the opinion that home education, widespread among the nobility, was not as useful for children as it seemed. Children, brought up at home, completely 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, he sees only the negative aspects of reality in front of him. The writer, emphasizing Mitrofanushka's copying of the manners of others, raises the question: who will grow out of him?

The world is in constant progress. With the latest achievements, people have gone far ahead. And sometimes classicism seems to us not entirely appropriate and correct, and “tearful dramas” cause a smile with their naivety. But the merit of the literature of the 18th century can by no means be underestimated, and over time its role in the general context of literature willonly grow.

Thus, the literature of the 18th century in the perception of the modern reader will remain, in spite of everything, a special milestone in the development of Russian literature and culture.