English and German Writers of the 17th–18th Centuries
If you’ve ever tried to imagine the 17th–18th centuries, most likely visions of wars, palaces, and long serious treatises come to mind. But there is another side — the human side. The writers we are about to discuss seem to speak to us across the centuries, trying to understand: who we are, why we live, and what it means to be human.
Both English and German authors of that time tried to convey not just events but feelings — anxiety, joy, doubts, and the delight of small discoveries. Their works can be read as diaries of the soul or as reflections on the world that remain relevant even today.
England in the 17th Century: Thoughts on Life, Love, and Doubts
The 17th century in England was a time of intense and passionate living. Civil wars, religious conflicts, changes in the monarchy — all of these left a mark on literature. But interestingly, writers of the time were more concerned with people, with the inner life, than with politics.
Metaphysical Poetry: Looking Within
John Donne (1572–1631) wrote poems that feel almost like personal letters. They contain philosophy, emotion, and questions we ourselves ask in the quiet of the night. Sometimes, you just want to pause on a single verse and think: “Yes, he’s writing about my thoughts too.”
Andrew Marvell (1621–1678) did something similar, but he also added subtle irony and a social perspective: freedom, power, justice — he reflected on issues that concerned every person of his time. Poetry, therefore, was not just beautiful language but true life wisdom.
Drama: Heroes Who Live Among Us
Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe created plays where every character feels like a real person. They make mistakes, seek answers to their questions, experience love and disappointment. Reading them, it seems as if these people could be living right next door.
Prose and Philosophy: Thoughts That Change Perspective
Francis Bacon (1561–1626) sought to understand how humans think. His “Novum Organum” is not a dry theory but almost like the author taking your hand and saying: “Look, this is how we think and what we can do with it.” He taught us to think about thinking — it sounds strange, but it is extremely important.
England in the 18th Century: Reason and Heart
The 18th century brought the Enlightenment to England — a time when literature taught, entertained, and made people reflect at the same time.
Enlightenment Literature
Alexander Pope (1688–1744) could laugh at human flaws in a way that was not offensive but clever, highlighting the absurdities of life.
Daniel Defoe (1660–1731), the author of “Robinson Crusoe”, wrote about a person stranded alone with nature. But the point is not just the adventure — it’s how the person learns to live, cope with loneliness, find meaning, and maintain their humanity.
Sentimental Novel
Samuel Richardson (1689–1761) wrote about feelings and the inner experiences of his characters. His books make readers empathize, rejoice, and worry along with the characters. This is literature about the human heart, its weaknesses, and its strengths.
Germany in the 17th Century: Baroque and the Search for Harmony
In Germany, the 17th century was dominated by the Thirty Years’ War, and literature became a way to understand oneself and the world. Baroque literature reflected the chaos of the era, yet its works always sought beauty and meaning.
Poetry
Andreas Gryphius and Paul Fleming wrote poems about life, death, faith, and fate. Their texts teach us to notice what is important in everyday life and to value small moments.
Drama
Johann Friedrich Vosz and Simon Ockeghem staged plays about people with all their doubts and fears. These were not just performances but little lessons in humanity.
Germany in the 18th Century: Reason, Heart, and Philosophy
The 18th century was the age of Enlightenment in Germany. Literature combined reflections on morality, reason, and human emotions.
Lessing
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781) wrote plays that teach readers to think and feel at the same time. His “Minna von Barnhelm” shows that being human means seeking answers, doubting, and trying to understand others.
Jean Paul
Jean Paul (1763–1825) wrote about the inner world of a person — their joys, fears, and discoveries. His works read like a conversation with a friend trying to explain what it means to live.
Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832), in his early works, showed the importance of observing oneself and others, reflecting on love, destiny, and human nature. His books remain alive today because they are about people and for people.
England and Germany: Different Paths Toward Understanding Humanity
Despite differences in history and culture, English and German literature share one focus: attention to the human being, their thoughts, and feelings. English authors often focused on individual experiences and social critique, while German authors emphasized philosophy, harmony, and the meaning of life. In both cases, we see people with all their doubts, joys, and fears.
Conclusion
Reading Donne, Lessing, Goethe, or Richardson, one realizes the main thing: literature is a conversation across centuries. Writers share their thoughts, feelings, and doubts with us. They teach us to be attentive to ourselves and others, to love, to reflect, and to seek meaning. This is why the books of the 17th–18th centuries remain alive even today.
Leave a Reply