The Enlightenment Research Paper

Enlightenment paved the way to our modern world, nevertheless not without the outrage, backlash and controversy from religious leaders. Citizens had little fear in making their opinion known, as the Church became increasingly vulnerable. The movement undoubtedly challenged the dogma and authority of religion, specifically the Church. The cumulative interest in scientific rationalism exemplified by the scientific method not only overpowered the Church, but was the hallmark of everything related to Enlightenment.

Age of Reason

Also known as the Age of Reason, Enlightenment began to question the traditional ways of thinking. Before the Enlightenment, knowledge was largely derived from religious teachings, belief and writing. Authors of the Age

Taking the name Voltaire in symbol of his reaction against political absolutism and religious oppression, he became angry about the abuse of power in society. The Church was a large influence to the government and directed many of the rules by which the government enforced, regardless if they were fair or not. As a man who was treated wrongly, he had his eyes open to a cessation of religious violence and people being anguished under tyranny. Voltaire was calling for policies that would live in the accordance of Enlightenment.

During this time, Voltaire was a playwright, poet, and writer, who had a literary career that stretched over 60 years. Through force of style and skillful choice of literary genre, he accomplished manipulation of writing, and initiated, generalised and communicated ideas that had generally never been spoken of before. He wrote many influential poems, essays and books including Candide. This book demonstrated Voltaire’s beliefs in society, depicting themes consisting of hypocrisy of religion, the corrupt power of money and the foolishness of optimism.

Mary Shelley – The Supernatural

Shelley’s book is about a young adult called Victor Frankenstein, who embraced the values of the time but then turned his back on the human elements, not realising he was playing God and creating life. He formed a monster from other people’s dead body parts, in hopes to put disease and death to an end. Although, he was not prepared to look after the creature and ran away when it came