Spanish Enlightenment literature

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Spanish Enlightenment literature is the literature of Spain written during the Age of Enlightenment.

During the 18th century a new mentality emerged (in essence a continuation of the Renaissance) which swept away the old values of the Baroque era and was given the name the Enlightenment. This movement is based on a critical spirit, on the predominance of reason and experience, philosophy and science being the most valued sources of knowledge. The period is also known as the Age of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason. In short, human happiness was pursued by means of culture and progress. Art and literature began to move towards a new classicism (Neoclassicism). Expressions of feeling were avoided, norms and academic rules were followed, and balance and harmony were valued. By the end of the century, so much rigidity led to a reaction in the form of a return to the world of feelings; this movement is known as Pre-Romanticism.