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Sentimentalism as a reaction to rationalism and enlightenment

Sentimentalism as a literary trend arose in response to the dominance of rationalism and enlightenment in European culture of the 18th century. This genre of literary analysis explores how sentimentalism acted as an emotional and moral counterweight to rationalism and enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of feelings, emotions and spiritual values ​ ​ in modern society.

Rationalism and enlightenment promoted reason, logic, and science as the primary sources of knowledge and truth. However, sentimentalists argued that human nature was much more complex and multilateral than rationalists had assumed. They emphasized the importance of feelings, emotions and intuition in understanding the world and relationships between people.

Sentimentalism in literature advocated for human kindness, compassion, and moral values. The works of sentimentalists often described the tragic fates and suffering of ordinary people, which aroused sympathy among readers and prompted action in the field of social justice and humanism.

Exploring sentimentalism as a reaction to rationalism and enlightenment allows for a better understanding of the complex relationships between different philosophical currents in cultural history. It also allows you to see what emotional and moral needs were important to people in different historical periods and how literature reflects these needs and aspirations. This genre of literary analysis is intended to help readers better understand the meaning and role of sentimentalism in the history of literature and culture and its influence on modern society.