Sensibility

Definition

Sensibility refers to the capacity to appreciate and respond to complex emotional experiences, emphasizing empathy and the importance of feelings in human interactions. This concept emerged as a reaction against the rigid structures of Neoclassicism, which prioritized reason and order, paving the way for sentimentalism that valued emotional depth and individual experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sensibility became prominent in literature during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, as writers began to prioritize emotional experiences over rational thought.
2. Authors like Laurence Sterne and Samuel Richardson are known for their works that reflect sensibility, showcasing characters with heightened emotional awareness.
3. The shift towards sensibility was linked to social changes, including the rise of individualism and new ideas about human nature and moral behavior.
4. Sensibility often intersects with themes of suffering, compassion, and moral reflection, portraying characters who undergo significant emotional journeys.
5. The emphasis on sensibility contributed to the development of new genres such as the novel, allowing for more nuanced character development and exploration of personal emotions.

Review Questions

• How does sensibility differ from Neoclassicism in terms of literary focus and character development?
  • Sensibility contrasts sharply with Neoclassicism by shifting the focus from reason and order to emotion and individual experience. While Neoclassicism emphasized logic, structure, and moral didacticism in character portrayal, sensibility champions emotional depth and authenticity. In works reflecting sensibility, characters are often depicted as deeply feeling individuals whose internal struggles highlight their moral journeys, marking a significant departure from the rigid ideals of Neoclassicism.
• Discuss the impact of societal changes on the rise of sensibility in literature during this period.
  • The rise of sensibility in literature was closely tied to significant societal changes, including the emergence of individualism and evolving perceptions of human nature. As people began to value personal emotions and experiences over collective norms, writers started to explore deeper psychological dimensions in their characters. This cultural shift allowed for narratives that emphasized empathy, compassion, and moral reflection, ultimately reshaping literary themes and character arcs in favor of emotional resonance.
• Evaluate how the concept of sensibility influenced later literary movements and continues to resonate in contemporary literature.
  • The concept of sensibility laid the groundwork for later literary movements by promoting the exploration of complex emotional landscapes in character development. It influenced Romanticism's emphasis on individual feeling and imagination, as well as modern psychological realism where inner thoughts and emotions take center stage. Today, sensibility remains relevant as contemporary literature continues to prioritize emotional authenticity and character-driven narratives, echoing its enduring impact on how we understand human experiences.

Related terms

Sentimentalism:

A literary movement that emphasizes the importance of emotion and sensitivity in character development, often showcasing the moral superiority of characters who express deep feelings.

Neoclassicism:

An artistic and literary movement that sought to emulate the classical ideals of reason, order, and form, often focusing on logic over emotion.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is a central aspect of sensibility and crucial for emotional connections.