Assignment Paper-105-History of English Literature- From 1350 to 1900

 This Blog task is part of assignment of Paper 105- History of English Literature- From 1350 to 1900.

  • Personal Information
Name: Devangini Vyas
Batch: M.A. sem 1 (2024-26)
Enrollment number : 5108240040
E-mail Address: devangivyas167@gmail.com
Roll Number:3

  • Assignment Details:
Topic: Features of neo-classical age and writers of Neo Classical era
Paper: 105- History of English Literature- from 1350 to 1900
Submitted to : SMT. S.B. Gardi Department of English,Bhavnagr
Date of submission: 20 November,2024

  • Table of Contens:
  • Introduction
  • Features of Neo-classical age
  • Writers of Neo Classical age
  • conclusion




Introduction:

The Neoclassical Age, spanning roughly from the late 17th century to the early 19th century, is a period in Western literature characterized by a return to the classical ideals of Ancient Greece and Rome. This era is marked by a focus on reason, order, and formality, in contrast to the emotional excesses of the previous Baroque period and the subsequent Romantic era. Neoclassicism emphasizes clarity, logic, and restraint, often reflecting the social and political changes of the time.

Key Features of the Neoclassical Age

1. Emphasis on Reason and Logic

Rationalism: The Neoclassical Age is grounded in the principles of the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that championed reason and logic as the primary sources of knowledge and truth. Writers of this period believed that literature should reflect rational thought and that human beings, endowed with reason, could understand and improve the world.

Order and Structure: Neoclassical literature is characterized by a preference for order and structure. This can be seen in the use of traditional forms such as the heroic couplet, strict adherence to genre conventions, and a focus on clear, well-organized prose. The structured nature of Neoclassical writing reflects the period's belief in the importance of discipline and decorum.

2. Imitation of Classical Models

Classical Influence: Neoclassical writers looked to the literature of Ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration. They sought to emulate the qualities of clarity, simplicity, and harmony found in classical works. This admiration for classical antiquity is evident in the use of themes, motifs, and stylistic elements derived from ancient texts.

Genres and Forms: Neoclassical writers often adopted classical genres and forms, including epic poetry, satire, and pastoral literature. They also revived the use of classical rhetorical devices and figures of speech, striving to achieve a balance between form and content.

3. Focus on Social and Moral Themes

Didactic Purpose: Neoclassical literature often has a didactic purpose, aiming to teach readers about proper behavior, morals, and social values. Writers of this period believed that literature should serve a moral and instructive function, reflecting the values of society and promoting virtuous conduct.

Social Critique: Many Neoclassical works offer a critique of contemporary society, highlighting issues such as corruption, hypocrisy, and the follies of human nature. Satire, in particular, was a popular genre for addressing social and political issues, using humor and irony to expose and criticize societal flaws.

4. Emphasis on Wit and Satire

Wit: Wit and intellectual playfulness are key features of Neoclassical literature. Writers often employed clever wordplay, irony, and paradox to engage and entertain their audience. The use of wit reflects the period's emphasis on intellectual rigor and the value placed on mental acuity.

Satire: Satire became a prominent genre during the Neoclassical Age, used to critique and ridicule various aspects of society, politics, and human behavior. Satirical works often combined humor with serious commentary, using exaggeration and irony to highlight social issues and encourage reform.

5. Adherence to Literary Conventions

Literary Rules: Neoclassical writers adhered to strict literary conventions and rules, reflecting their belief in the importance of order and discipline in art. These conventions included the unities of time, place, and action in drama, as well as the use of fixed poetic forms and precise diction.

Decorum: Decorum, or the appropriateness of style to subject matter, was a fundamental principle in Neoclassical literature. Writers believed that different genres and forms should follow specific stylistic guidelines, ensuring that language and tone matched the content and themes of the work.

Prominent Writers of the Neoclassical Era

1. John Dryden (1631-1700)

Works: John Dryden was a prominent poet, playwright, and critic of the Neoclassical era. His works include the epic poem "Annus Mirabilis" (1667), the play "All for Love" (1677), and the mock-heroic poem "Mac Flecknoe" (1682). Dryden is also known for his critical essays, such as "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" (1668), which articulate the principles of Neoclassical literature.

Contribution: Dryden played a significant role in shaping the literary standards of the Neoclassical Age. His emphasis on clarity, decorum, and rationality influenced the development of English literature, and his works remain important examples of Neoclassical style and thought.

2. Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

Works: Alexander Pope is best known for his satirical verse and his mastery of the heroic couplet. His major works include "The Rape of the Lock" (1712), "The Dunciad" (1728), and the philosophical poem "An Essay on Man" (1733-1734). Pope's translation of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" also garnered critical acclaim.

Contribution: Pope's wit, technical skill, and keen social commentary made him a leading figure of the Neoclassical era. His satirical works critique the vanity and corruption of contemporary society, while his philosophical poetry explores themes of human nature and the natural order.

3. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)

Works: Jonathan Swift is renowned for his satirical prose, particularly his novel "Gulliver's Travels" (1726) and the pamphlet "A Modest Proposal" (1729). Swift's biting satire and sharp wit expose the absurdities and injustices of society, making his works enduring classics of English literature.

Contribution: Swift's satires highlight the flaws and contradictions of human behavior and social institutions. His incisive commentary on politics, religion, and science reflects the Neoclassical emphasis on reason and moral critique, while his imaginative storytelling continues to captivate readers.

4. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

Works: Samuel Johnson was a prolific writer, poet, essayist, and lexicographer. His major works include the dictionary "A Dictionary of the English Language" (1755), the philosophical novel "Rasselas" (1759), and the critical work "Lives of the Poets" (1779-1781). Johnson's essays, published in "The Rambler" and "The Idler," also contributed to his literary legacy.

Contribution: Johnson's contributions to English literature and lexicography are immense. His dictionary remains a monumental achievement, and his critical writings set the standards for literary analysis. Johnson's emphasis on moral and intellectual rigor aligns with the values of the Neoclassical Age.

5. Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774)
Works: Oliver Goldsmith was a versatile writer known for his novels, plays, and poetry. His major works include the novel "The Vicar of Wakefield" (1766), the play "She Stoops to Conquer" (1773), and the poem "The Deserted Village" (1770). Goldsmith's works often blend humor, sentiment, and social critique.

Contribution: Goldsmith's ability to combine wit and sentiment in his writing made him a distinctive voice of the Neoclassical era. His novels and plays address social issues with a light touch, while his poetry reflects the period's concern with rural life and the impact of industrialization.

Conclusion
The Neoclassical Age represents a period of great literary achievement, characterized by a return to classical ideals of reason, order, and formality. The key features of Neoclassical literature include an emphasis on rationalism, imitation of classical models, a focus on social and moral themes, the use of wit and satire, and adherence to literary conventions. Prominent writers such as John Dryden, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Johnson, and Oliver Goldsmith exemplify these characteristics in their works, contributing to the rich tapestry of Neoclassical literature. Their enduring influence continues to shape the literary landscape, reminding us of the timeless appeal of reasoned thought, structured art, and moral insight.

References:
Dryden, John. " An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" 1668
Goldsmith, Oliver, " The Vicar of Wakefield" 1766
Johnson, Samuel." A Dictionary of the English Language" 1755
Pope, Alexander. "The Rape of The Lock" 1712.
Swift, Jonathan. "Gulliver's Travels." 1726


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