* Neoclassicism: This movement, which emphasized reason, order, and balance, was already established in the 17th century but continued to be prominent in the 18th century. It emphasized classical models from ancient Greece and Rome and writers like Alexander Pope, John Dryden, and Jonathan Swift contributed significantly to its development.
* Romanticism: The seeds of Romanticism were sown in the late 18th century and blossomed in the early 19th century. It celebrated emotion, imagination, and the individual's subjective experience. While not fully formed in the 1700s, figures like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and William Blake explored themes and ideas that paved the way for the movement.
* The Enlightenment: This philosophical and intellectual movement, heavily influenced by reason and scientific inquiry, had a profound impact on literature. It emphasized rational thought, logic, and empirical evidence, leading to works focused on social and political issues. Writers like Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Paine contributed significantly to Enlightenment thought and its literary expression.
It's important to note that these movements weren't mutually exclusive. Writers often blended elements from different styles, and some writers may be categorized under multiple movements. Furthermore, the development of these literary styles was a gradual process, influenced by a complex interplay of social, political, and philosophical factors.