In the eighteenth century, there was a widespread disdain for melancholy, according to the statement made by George Saintsbury. This era viewed feelings such as sadness and introspection with suspicion or even contempt, preferring instead an attitude that favored cheerfulness and optimism.
Digging deeper into this sentiment reveals a broader cultural shift during the Enlightenment period. The eighteenth century was marked by advancements in science and reason, and there was a strong push towards progress and improvement in all areas of life. Consequently, emotions like melancholy were seen as counterproductive to societal goals and personal well-being. This attitude reflects a broader philosophical movement that emphasized rationality over emotion, viewing the latter as potentially disruptive or unhelpful.
George Saintsbury, an influential literary critic from Scotland who lived during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, is known for his extensive work on literature and the history of English prose. His comment provides insight not only into eighteenth-century attitudes but also into how later critics viewed that era’s cultural and intellectual climate.
