English Neoclassicism

Definition

English Neoclassicism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a revival of Classical ideals from ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing order, reason, and clarity. This movement sought to apply the principles of classical art and literature to contemporary works, focusing on harmony, proportion, and adherence to established forms and genres.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. English Neoclassicism was heavily influenced by the earlier Renaissance revival of classical ideas and texts.
2. This movement prioritized reason over emotion, advocating for a balanced approach to writing and art.
3. Major genres during this time included satire, essays, and drama, with an emphasis on moral lessons and social commentary.
4. Pope's 'Essay on Criticism' is a key text that encapsulates neoclassical principles of writing and criticism.
5. The decline of English Neoclassicism led to the rise of Romanticism, which shifted focus from order and reason to emotion and nature.

Review Questions

• How did English Neoclassicism reflect the values of its time in comparison to previous literary movements?
  • English Neoclassicism reflected the values of its time by emphasizing reason, order, and clarity in literature, contrasting with the emotional depth and individualism found in Renaissance works. This movement sought to mirror the structured forms of ancient Greek and Roman literature while addressing contemporary social issues through satire and moral teachings. It marked a shift toward a more restrained approach to artistic expression that aligned with Enlightenment ideals.
• Analyze the significance of key texts and authors during the English Neoclassical period in shaping literary standards.
  • Key texts like Pope's 'Essay on Criticism' and Swift's satirical works played crucial roles in establishing literary standards during the English Neoclassical period. These authors employed wit and irony to critique society while adhering to classical principles like unity of form. Their works set benchmarks for quality and style that influenced subsequent generations of writers, reinforcing the neoclassical commitment to rationality and moral instruction in literature.
• Evaluate how English Neoclassicism laid the groundwork for later movements like Romanticism through its thematic and structural approaches.
  • English Neoclassicism laid the groundwork for Romanticism by establishing themes related to individual experience and societal critique within a structured format. While neoclassical writers focused on order and reason, their exploration of human nature set the stage for Romanticism's emphasis on emotion and personal expression. The eventual reaction against rigid neoclassical conventions opened up avenues for Romantic poets to celebrate spontaneity, nature, and the sublime, leading to a transformative shift in literary focus.

Related terms

Augustan Age: The period during the early 18th century in England when literature flourished under the influence of neoclassical ideals, marked by authors such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift.

Rationalism:

A philosophical movement that emphasized reason and logical thought as the primary source of knowledge, significantly influencing the values of English Neoclassicism.

Unity of Time, Place, and Action: A principle derived from classical theory that dictates a play should take place within a single day, in one location, and focus on a single plotline.