Classicism

Definition

Classicism is a literary and artistic movement that draws inspiration from the classical art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasizes harmony, proportion, and adherence to established forms, celebrating rationality, order, and clarity in both thought and expression. This approach often reflects the ideals of beauty, morality, and social order prevalent in classical works, which influenced writers and artists throughout the Renaissance and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Classicism values clarity, balance, and restraint in artistic expression, which can be seen in various works from literature to visual arts.
2. Ben Jonson was a key figure in English classicism, often focusing on themes of social order and moral integrity in his plays and poetry.
3. The principles of classicism led to a revival of interest in Greek and Roman drama, prompting writers to adopt classical forms such as tragedy and comedy.
4. Classicist writers often adhered to strict rules regarding structure and form, favoring well-defined genres that aligned with classical traditions.
5. The influence of classicism can be seen in the Enlightenment period, where reason and rationality were prioritized over emotion in both literature and philosophy.

Review Questions

• How does classicism manifest in the works of Ben Jonson?
  • Ben Jonson's works exemplify classicism through his emphasis on structured forms, moral lessons, and social commentary. He often used classical themes and structures in his plays, aligning with the principles of order and reason. His comedies frequently include elements such as satire, adhering to the tradition of ancient Greek and Roman theater while also addressing contemporary societal issues.
• In what ways did classicism influence the development of English drama during Jonson's time?
  • Classicism had a profound impact on English drama by encouraging writers to adopt classical forms and themes that emphasized unity of time, place, and action. This influence led to more structured plays that adhered to Aristotelian principles. Jonson's work particularly reflects this shift as he integrated classical elements into his narratives while promoting moral integrity and social commentary.
• Evaluate how the principles of classicism contribute to the understanding of morality in Ben Jonson's plays compared to other literary movements.
  • Classicism's focus on reason, clarity, and moral purpose contrasts with other literary movements like Romanticism that prioritize emotion and individual experience. In Ben Jonson's plays, classicist principles serve to explore societal values and ethics through a structured lens. This creates a framework for understanding morality that emphasizes duty to society over personal desires. By analyzing Jonson's works within this context, we see how classicist ideals guide the narrative toward moral instruction while remaining grounded in societal realism.

Related terms

Renaissance: A cultural movement that marked the revival of interest in the classical art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, significantly influencing European culture and thought from the 14th to the 17th century.

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement in the 18th century that sought to revive the classical styles and ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, characterized by simplicity, symmetry, and an emphasis on reason.

Humanism: An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings, focusing on classical texts, philosophy, and the study of humanities.