Literary notes about enlightenment (AI summary)
In literature, the word "enlightenment" is a multifaceted term that can denote both a personal epiphany and a broader cultural or intellectual awakening. It is often used to describe moments of inner illumination, as when a character experiences a sudden opening of perception or a transformative insight into life and their own identity [1], [2]. At the same time, it serves metaphorically to represent the progress of society and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, underpinning the ideals of modernity and rational education [3], [4]. In some works, "enlightenment" is invoked with a sense of irony or ambivalence, highlighting the tension between genuine insight and superficial advancement, as seen when it becomes a subject of critique or satire [5], [6]. Whether as a spiritual quest, a marker of scientific progress, or a critique of dogmatic traditions, the term consistently suggests a shift from darkness to clarity—a powerful literary device that underscores the transformative force of understanding and civilization [7], [8].