Augustan England

Definition

Augustan England refers to the period in the early 18th century, roughly from 1700 to 1750, characterized by a flourishing of literature, arts, and culture, drawing inspiration from the classical ideals of ancient Rome. This era is marked by a focus on reason, order, and decorum in artistic expression, alongside a satirical examination of society's follies, particularly through poetry and prose.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Augustan' is derived from the reign of Emperor Augustus in ancient Rome, reflecting a cultural peak and a focus on classical models.
2. Alexander Pope emerged as one of the leading figures during this period, using satire to address contemporary social issues and human behavior.
3. The period was known for its development of new poetic forms, including the heroic couplet, which Pope famously employed in his works.
4. Augustan England also saw the rise of periodicals like 'The Spectator' and 'The Tatler,' which contributed to public discourse and literary culture.
5. Cultural critique was central during this time, with works like 'The Rape of the Lock' exemplifying both humor and serious commentary on social class and gender relations.

Review Questions

• How did the ideals of Neoclassicism influence the literature produced during Augustan England?
  • Neoclassicism heavily influenced Augustan England by promoting classical ideals such as order, harmony, and restraint in literary works. Writers sought to emulate the styles and themes of ancient Greek and Roman authors, emphasizing rationality and decorum. This led to a focus on structured forms, such as the heroic couplet in poetry, allowing authors like Alexander Pope to craft their satirical commentaries within a framework that reflected these classical values.
• Discuss how satire served as a critical tool in Augustan England's literary landscape.
  • Satire was a vital component of Augustan England's literary landscape as it provided writers with a means to critique societal norms and human behavior. Authors like Alexander Pope utilized satire to expose follies and vices prevalent in their contemporary society. By employing humor and irony in works such as 'The Dunciad,' they engaged readers in serious reflections on issues such as class hierarchy and moral decay while entertaining them at the same time.
• Evaluate the impact of Augustan England on modern literature and how its themes resonate today.
  • The impact of Augustan England on modern literature is significant, as many themes explored during this era—such as social critique, irony, and the use of satire—continue to resonate today. Writers today often draw inspiration from the Augustan emphasis on reasoned argumentation and structured form. The ability to humorously critique societal flaws remains relevant in contemporary works, demonstrating how Augustan literary practices laid foundational principles that inform much of modern satirical writing.

Related terms

Neoclassicism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized classical ideals of harmony, restraint, and adherence to traditional forms.

Satire: A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.

The Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement that emphasized reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority during the 17th and 18th centuries.