Augustan Age

Definition

The Augustan Age refers to a period in English literature and culture during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, marked by the influence of classical ideals and a focus on reason, order, and harmony. This era is characterized by significant advancements in poetry, drama, and prose, reflecting a revival of classical forms and themes, as well as a shift towards satire and social commentary.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Augustan Age is often associated with prominent writers like Alexander Pope, John Dryden, and Jonathan Swift who shaped the literary landscape through their innovative works.
2. This period emphasized reason and intellectualism, leading to the rise of the essay as a popular form of literature.
3. The use of satire became a defining characteristic of the Augustan Age as writers sought to comment on societal norms and politics.
4. The Augustan Age marked the establishment of standards for English poetry and drama, emphasizing structure, balance, and adherence to classical forms.
5. It was during this time that literature became more accessible to the middle class, with the rise of periodicals and public readings.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of Neoclassicism shape the literary output during the Augustan Age?
  • The principles of Neoclassicism greatly influenced the Augustan Age by encouraging writers to emulate the styles and themes of ancient Greek and Roman literature. This led to a focus on reason, order, and harmony in writing, pushing authors to create structured works that adhered to classical forms. As a result, genres like poetry and drama flourished, with an emphasis on clarity, precision, and moral lessons, which became hallmarks of this literary period.
• Discuss how Alexander Pope’s use of heroic couplets reflects the ideals of the Augustan Age.
  • Alexander Pope’s use of heroic couplets exemplifies the ideals of the Augustan Age by showcasing clarity and structure in poetry. The rhymed iambic pentameter lines allowed Pope to convey complex ideas succinctly while maintaining a rhythmic flow that appealed to readers. His mastery of this form not only demonstrated adherence to classical traditions but also facilitated the use of satire and social commentary that defined much of the literature from this era.
• Evaluate how the shift towards satire during the Augustan Age impacted societal attitudes and literature as a whole.
  • The shift towards satire during the Augustan Age had a profound impact on both societal attitudes and literature. Writers like Jonathan Swift used satire as a tool to critique social norms and political corruption, encouraging readers to reflect on their values and behaviors. This literary approach not only made serious subjects more engaging but also fostered a spirit of inquiry and skepticism among audiences. As satire became prominent in literature, it opened doors for more diverse voices and perspectives within English literature, transforming it into a platform for social change.

Related terms

Neoclassicism:

An artistic and literary movement that drew inspiration from the classical art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing reason, order, and symmetry.

Satire: A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, society, or institutions, often to promote change.

Heroic Couplet: A pair of rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter, commonly used in Augustan poetry to convey ideas with clarity and elegance.