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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 18th-century European culture. This genre of literary analysis examines how sentimentalism acted as an emotional and moral counterweight to rationalism and enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of feelings, emotions, and spiritual values in contemporary society.

Rationalism and enlightenment promoted reason, logic, and science as major sources of knowledge and truth. However, sentimentalists have argued that human nature is much more complex and multifaceted than rationalists intended. They emphasized the importance of feelings, emotions and intuition in understanding the world and the relationship between people.

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

The study of sentimentalism as a reaction to rationalism and enlightenment provides 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 impact on modern society.