Which literary work is associated with the Enlightenment period?

The Enlightenment period, which spanned the late 17th to the 18th century, is characterized by an emphasis on reason, individualism, and a critical approach to traditional authority. Voltaire's "Candide" is a significant literary work from this era, published in 1759, and it exemplifies many of the themes prevalent during the Enlightenment.

In "Candide," Voltaire critiques optimism and philosophical systems that suggest everything happens for the best in the best of all possible worlds, particularly targeting the ideas promoted by philosophers such as Leibniz. The novel's satirical style highlights the absurdities of blind optimism and challenges the prevailing social and philosophical norms of the time. By using humor and irony, Voltaire encourages readers to think critically about societal issues, which aligns closely with the Enlightenment's advocacy for reason and questioning of established authority.

The other literary works listed, such as "The Great Gatsby," "The Catcher in the Rye," and "To Kill a Mockingbird," are from later periods, with themes and styles that reflect the 20th century rather than the Enlightenment's focus on rational thought and critique of optimism. Thus, "Candide" stands out as the appropriate choice representing the