Neoclassicism

Definition

Neoclassicism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a return to the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. This movement emphasized reason, order, and harmony, reflecting Enlightenment values while also promoting moral lessons through art and literature. Neoclassicism had a significant impact on various forms of artistic expression, including drama, which can be seen in its influence on comedic traditions and satirical works during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neoclassicism arose as a reaction against the emotionalism and extravagance of the Baroque and Rococo styles, promoting restraint and adherence to classical rules.
2. In drama, neoclassicism focused on strict forms such as the unities of time, place, and action, influencing playwrights to create structured narratives with moral messages.
3. Commedia dell'Arte had a notable influence on neoclassical theatre by introducing stock characters and improvisational elements that were later incorporated into more structured plays.
4. The neoclassical approach valued clarity of expression and logical argumentation, which aligned with the rationalist views of Enlightenment thinkers.
5. Significant figures in neoclassicism include playwrights like Molière and Racine, whose works exemplified the movement's emphasis on classical themes and moral instruction.

Review Questions

• How did neoclassicism influence the structure and themes of comedic works during its emergence?
  • Neoclassicism influenced comedic works by emphasizing structure and moral lessons through adherence to classical principles. Playwrights began to implement the unities of time, place, and action to create tighter narratives. This shift led to comedies that not only entertained but also reflected social norms and critiques, allowing for a blend of humor with a purposeful message about morality and human behavior.
• Discuss the relationship between neoclassicism and satire in 18th-century literature.
  • The relationship between neoclassicism and satire in 18th-century literature is rooted in the neoclassical emphasis on reason and moral instruction. Satirical works often critiqued society's follies using classical references and structures inspired by ancient texts. By employing wit and irony, satirists were able to expose societal flaws while aligning with neoclassical values of clarity and moral purpose, thus shaping a literary landscape that combined entertainment with critical reflection.
• Evaluate how neoclassicism served as a bridge between earlier artistic traditions like Commedia dell'Arte and later movements in drama during the Enlightenment.
  • Neoclassicism served as a bridge between earlier artistic traditions like Commedia dell'Arte and later movements in drama by integrating improvisational elements with formal structure. While Commedia introduced relatable stock characters and spontaneous humor, neoclassicism imposed rules that shaped these elements into coherent narratives with moral significance. This blend allowed for a more sophisticated theatrical experience that appealed to Enlightenment ideals, paving the way for modern drama by fostering a critical examination of human behavior within an orderly framework.

Related terms

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Classicism: A style of art and literature that draws inspiration from the culture and ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing form, balance, and proportion.

Satire:

A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society as a whole.