The works of Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, and Samuel Johnson belong to which British literary time period?

The correct answer is the Restoration and Enlightenment period, which spans from 1660 to 1798. This era is characterized by a focus on reason, scientific inquiry, and a revival of classical learning and literature after the tumultuous times of the English Civil War and the Interregnum. Jonathan Swift, known for his satirical writing such as "Gulliver's Travels," utilized humor and irony to reflect on societal issues. Daniel Defoe, recognized for his pioneering novel "Robinson Crusoe," explored themes of individualism and economic advancement. Samuel Johnson contributed significantly to English lexicography and literary criticism, with his "A Dictionary of the English Language" serving as a foundational text in the development of English literature.

These authors exemplify the themes and styles prevalent during the Restoration and Enlightenment, making it the appropriate literary time period for their works. The other time periods listed do not include these authors or their central themes, as the Age of Romanticism emerged later, focusing on emotion and nature, while the Victorian Age and Emerging Modernism brought different societal contexts and literary movements.