The 18th century English literature saw a rise in satirical works as well as the development of Romanticism at the end of the century. Most poets from the earlier period such as Alexander Pope, John Dryden, Samuel Johnson, and Jonathan Swift wrote satirical poems.
The end of the 18th century was a new beginning of English literature. Poets moved away from the ideals of the past and focused more on the democratization of literature.
‘The Tyger’ is a well-known poem by William Blake. It explores the dark and destructive side of God and his creation.
This poem is an incredibly famous example of Romantic poetry that emerged in the late 18th century. It deviated from the formalism and structure of the previous century, instead emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature.
‘A Poison Tree’ presents the consequences of harboring anger, which becomes a poisonous tree wreaking devastation.
The poem, written in the late 18th century, reflects the Romantic period's themes of emotional intensity and moral reflection. Blake critiques societal norms of emotional restraint, using allegory to discuss universal issues of wrath and vengeance. The era's poetic style heavily influences the poem’s structure and depth.
Wordsworth’s ‘Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey’ tells of the power and influence of nature in guiding life and morality.
This poem was written in 1798, near the end of the 18th century, and is considered one of the major works of Romantic poetry. It is commonly regarded as one of, if not the, greatest work that Wordsworth completed in his lifetime. Many authors, of different genres and styles, have cited this poem as influential.
Five years have past; five summers, with the length
‘Huge Vapours Brood above the Clifted Shore’ by Charlotte Smith describes a brooding storm the lighted paths of life one might choose to follow.
This poem is a representative work of 18th-century poetry, particularly in its tendency to focus on human emotion and the natural world. The 18th century saw a growing shift from the strict forms and classical themes of earlier eras to a more emotive and individualistic style. Smith's poem is highly important, and well-known, among poems written during this period.
‘To a Mouse’ by Robert Burns describes the unfortunate situation of a mouse whose home was destroyed by the poet himself.
During the 18th century, poetry moved away from the formal structures of the Renaissance and towards more natural and personal expressions of emotion and experience, as seen in Burns' works, especially 'To a Mouse.'
William Blake’s ‘The Marriage of Heaven and Hell’ explores the transformative power of embracing contradiction and defying societal norms.
This poem by William Blake stands out as a distinctive and unique work within the landscape of 18th-century poetry. While it shares some characteristics with other works of the time, such as its exploration of themes and social critique, Blake's visionary and mystical style, a departure from conventional structures, and provocative ideas set it apart as a remarkable and nonconformist piece of literature.
Rintrah roars and shakes his fires in the burdened air;
Coleridge’s ‘Kubla Khan’ describes the poet’s dream of visiting the palace of a Mongol emperor who ruled the ancient Chinese Yuan Dynasty.
This poem was written in the 18th century, a time when poets were exploring new forms and subjects. This poem is a prime example of the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion and imagination over reason and tradition.
‘The light of a candle’ by Yosa Buson captures a moment of beauty and symbolism in the everyday act of lighting a candle.
The 18th century was a time of great literary activity in Japan, with many poets experimenting with new styles and forms. Yosa Buson was one of the most prominent poets of this time, and his work helped to define the haiku form. This is a beautiful example of both his verse and the verse being written during his lifetime.
‘An Essay on Criticism’ begins with an analysis of critics themselves, who Pope views as akin to unlearned parasites.
The poem perfectly encapsulates 18th-century Neoclassicism: it is didactic, delivered in precise heroic couplets, champions reason and order, and adheres to classical literary principles. Pope meticulously defines good taste and critical judgment, using sharp wit and satire against literary ineptitude. The poem's focus on universal truths, truth and the moral responsibility of a critic reflect the Enlightenment's pursuit of clarity, balance and rational thought in art and life, and its a key work for understanding the era's aesthetic values.
‘Infant Sorrow’ by Blake contrasts ‘Infant Joy’ by depicting birth’s pain and the struggle of life’s beginning.
‘Infant Sorrow’ is distinctive within 18th-century poetry, diverging from the era's more polished and formal styles. Blake’s raw, emotional depiction of suffering and existential struggle contrasts with the more restrained or idealized themes of contemporary poets like Alexander Pope. Blake’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism reflects a unique, early Romantic sensibility that prefigures the Romantic movement.
‘The Little Girl Found’ by William Blake unfolds a mystical odyssey, guiding parents through despair to find solace in enchantment.
This poem stands apart from typical 18th-century poetry with its mystical, visionary themes and symbolic richness. While the 18th century is often associated with Enlightenment ideals, Blake's work, including this poem, challenges conventions, showcasing a blend of Romantic imagination and spiritual exploration that anticipates the artistic and philosophical shifts of the 19th century.
‘The Song of the Shirt’ by Thomas Hood unveils the plight of a laboring woman, stitching survival in relentless hardship.
'The Song of the Shirt' is an exemplary representation of 19th-century poetry, aligning with the era's thematic shifts towards social consciousness and individual experience. Comparable to works by Romantic poets, it poignantly addresses societal injustices and the human toll of industrialization. Its emotive power and social critique make it a significant contribution to the rich tapestry of 19th-century poetic expressions.
Wordsworth’s ‘The Tables Turned’ asks readers to quit books and rediscover the natural world’s beauty and wisdom.
While this is a powerful poem, with great uses of metaphor, personification, parallelism, etc., the poem itself is not unique or representative enough of the century. While well written, its structure is simple, and while its theme is ironic, that uniqueness does not win it a higher score. Overall the poem is well crafted, but other poems incur further achievement and praise.
‘To the Ladies’ by Lady Mary Chudleigh talks about how marriage rids the woman of her person and attaches her importance to the one she is married to.
This poem by Lady Mary Chudleigh appeared in 'Poems on Several Occasions' in 1703. She was a prominent feminist of the old era. Her poem came at a time when the issue of subjugation of woman in marriage was rife. Sadly, the poem is still very much relevant now, not as a form of remembrance but because the issues talked about persist.
‘Evening’ by Friedrich Schiller contains a speaker’s plea to Apollo that he allow the sun to set and rest, and love to descend.
18th-century poetry, including Friedrich von Schiller's poem, reflects the intellectual and cultural shifts of the era, blending classical influences (such as seen in the poet's references to mythology) with a growing emphasis on individual expression, rationality, and the exploration of human emotions (also seen in this poem).
Oh! thou bright-beaming god, the plains are thirsting,
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