The 18th century was a vibrant period for literature, marked by the rise of the novel as a popular form. Writers like Daniel Defoe and Samuel Richardson explored individual experiences and social issues, paving the way for modern storytelling. This era also saw the emergence of satire, with authors such as Jonathan Swift critiquing society and politics through humor and irony. Additionally, the Enlightenment influenced literature, emphasizing reason and intellectual discourse. Poets like Alexander Pope and William Blake contributed to this movement, blending artistic expression with philosophical ideas. Overall, 18th-century literature laid the groundwork for future literary developments.