Neoclassicism

Definition

Neoclassicism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a revival of classical ideals from ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasized reason, clarity, and order, reflecting Enlightenment values and reacting against the emotionalism of the preceding Baroque period. This movement influenced many major authors and works during the Restoration and beyond, shaping literary forms and themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neoclassicism sought to emulate the aesthetics and philosophies of ancient civilizations, emphasizing harmony, proportion, and balance.
2. Key features of neoclassical literature include the use of satire to critique society, an adherence to classical forms, and a focus on moral themes.
3. Major authors associated with neoclassicism include John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Jonathan Swift, who all employed neoclassical techniques in their works.
4. Neoclassical writers often referenced classical mythology and historical figures to illustrate moral lessons or societal critiques.
5. The movement reflected broader societal changes during the Restoration period, as Enlightenment thinkers promoted reason and scientific inquiry as guiding principles for human behavior.

Review Questions

• How did neoclassicism shape the literary styles of major authors during the Restoration period?
  • Neoclassicism significantly influenced the literary styles of authors during the Restoration period by encouraging a focus on reason, order, and structured forms. Writers like John Dryden and Alexander Pope adopted heroic couplets to create poetry that was clear and precise while satirizing societal norms. This adherence to classical principles helped define a literary landscape that valued wit and rational critique over emotional expression, marking a distinct shift from the preceding Baroque period.
• In what ways did neoclassicism reflect the historical context of the Enlightenment?
  • Neoclassicism reflected the historical context of the Enlightenment by prioritizing reason, rational thought, and empirical evidence over emotion and superstition. This philosophical movement advocated for critical thinking and scientific inquiry as means to understand the world. As neoclassicists drew inspiration from classical texts, they sought to apply these Enlightenment ideals in their works, promoting values such as moral clarity and social commentary through structured literary forms.
• Evaluate the impact of neoclassical themes on major satirical works from this period.
  • Neoclassical themes profoundly impacted major satirical works from this period by providing a framework for moral critique through wit and irony. Authors like Jonathan Swift utilized neoclassical principles to structure their satire in a way that highlighted human folly and societal flaws. By referencing classical ideals and employing rational discourse, these writers were able to deliver sharp social commentary that resonated with Enlightenment audiences while adhering to established literary conventions.

Related terms

Augustan Age:

A period in English literature during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, marked by a focus on reason, wit, and satire, heavily influenced by neoclassical principles.

Heroic Couplet: A pair of rhymed lines in iambic pentameter, commonly used in neoclassical poetry to create a sense of balance and structure.

Rationalism:

A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge, which greatly influenced neoclassical literature and art in its emphasis on logic over emotion.