Neo classical age or Augusten age ....
Introduction.........
The neoclassical period extends from late 16th century to 17thcentury. This period is also known as restoration period. The period is marked by the tremendous change in social order. They believed that social needs are more important than individual needs (“Main characteristics of literary periods”, n. d). The drive towards the acquisition and spread of knowledge was so powerful, hence the epoch is often called the Enlightenment and this influenced the literature. The literature was considered primarily as a means of education, becoming mostly didactic and moral. There was a believed that reason was the primary basis of authority and era is also referred as age of reason (“Introductory Lecture on the Neoclassical Period in English Literature”, n. d). With improved trade, commerce and literacy people started selling their ideas. Ancient Greek and Roman text, art and literature was referred and revisited influencing the way they write, act and think. Thus Neoclassicism was, in a sense, a revival of classical taste, but it was not identical to Classicism. “Neoclassical literature was defined by common sense, order, accuracy, and structure” (“Neoclassical Literature: Its Characteristics and Famous Examples”, n. d para 6). Literary work that came during this period include parody, fables, melodrama, rhyming with couplets, satire, letters, diaries, novels, and essays. Grammar and etymology are emphasized more (Neoclassical Literature: Its Characteristics and Famous Examples, n. d). Gale (2009) mentions that in the poetry, the classical forms of the heroic couplet and the ode became popular. There was a rise of ballad and sentimental poetry and poems were realistic and satirical. In poems there was no mention of spiritual bias, moral highness, or philosophy and that is trademark of the Restoration Era. No spontaneous idea can be put into poem. Comedy and tragedy are two genre of drama that was prevalent in that era (Gale, 2009). Novel of sensibility, particularly the work of Horace Walpole and Ann Radcliffe, appeared during the era. In short neoclassical era is perhaps best characterized by the key notions of imitation, rationalism, and convention. Ben Johnson, John Milton, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Voltaire and others are examples of neo-classical writers. Milton, author of "Paradise Lost," is sometimes cited as the most influential neoclassical writer. Absalom and Achitophelare great poems written by John Dryden. Tragedy “Aurangzeb” and“All for Love” were also his work. Alexander Pope wrote satirical poem “Dunciad” and “The Rape of the Lock”.
Modernism
Modern literature fiction writing was very popular approximately from the 1910s to 1960s (“What are characteristics of Modernist literature”, n. d). “Modernism” (2010) informs, “The period is marked by sudden and unexpected breaks with the traditional ways of viewing and interacting with the world” (para 1). There was strong reaction against religious, political and social views. There was a belief that world is created in the way people perceived, so world is what we say it is (“What is Modernism?”, n.d). It is the period of experiment or innovation. Modern literature is mainly preoccupied by the inner self and consciousness (Modernism, 2010) People in this era started to questions on sets of ideologies as there was social unrest “(What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular”, n.d). Too much of destruction, hopelessness, chaos, fear, terror and inhuman acts and effects produced by World Wars, movements and revolutions gave cultural shocks putting humanity into question. “Instead of progress, the Modernist writer saw a decline of civilization. Instead of new technology, the Modernist writer saw cold machinery and increased capitalism, which alienated the individual and led to loneliness” (“What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular? n.d, para 2). People found absence of connection with history or institution which gives experience of alienation, loss, and despair. Stagnant economic condition has led to uncertain future and lives. Modern literature studies about those happenings and lost meaning of life. Unlike preceding periods where heroism, faith and supernaturalism played predominant role in literature modernism focused on realism, futurism, symbolism, imagination and naturalism. Technical device used by modern writers are; it was open ended (epiphany), it was fragmented (no clear form, structure, plot, characteristics) and modern writing has more of stream of consciousness used (“What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular?”, n.d)). Irony, satire, and comparisons were often strongly employed in the literature. Metaphor, hyperbole and similes are used. Forms of drama presented in modern period are realism, naturalism, absurd and expressionism. Play within play is incorporated in Expressionism. During the era there was end of censorship and people explored on different subjects like political, religious, sex and gay. AIDS broke down becoming subjects of play (misery of marginalized). And subject of writing changed. Characters were machine or inanimate object instead of human (What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular? n.d). Modern writers are willing to experiment with new forms and writings. There was allusion in modern writing. They tried to see the world from as many points of view as possible at the same time.Some of the famous Modernist writers include Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, Joseph Conrad, T.S. Eliot, William Butler Yeats, Ezra Pound, D.H. Lawrence and others (“What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular?”, n.d). In 1922 James Joyce wrote famous “Ulysses” and Daniel Defoe wrote “Robinson Crusoe”. T.S Eliot was also famous for his work, “The Waste Land”. “The Light House”of Virginia Woolf is example of modernist novel.
The Metaphysical Movement
Metaphysical is a term used for poetry (poems) written by group of poets of 17th century and those poets used similar poetic techniques (Obermeier n.d). It is not type of poetry but movement. Naeem (2010) noted that poetry during metaphysical period was intellectual, analytical, psychological and bold. Popular themes include death, love, human frailty and religious devotion. Poets of the era are said to have gone against the poets of Elizabethan era (Naeem, 2010). Poems are much more realistic. Poetry of age is famous for its difficulty and obscurity. There were formal tendencies to talk about deep philosophical issues. There was use of abstruse terminology often drawn from science or law making it difficult to understand. With, irony, and paradox are paramount. Poems are often presented in an argument form. Poems are of two types: love poetry and religious poetry. In love poetry, metaphysical poets draw ideas form Renaissance Net-Platonism showing relationship between the soul and body and body and union of love’s souls (Connor, n.d). Poems would have unified sensibility. Religious poetry got influence from religious hymns and sermon of Donne (Naeem, 2010).
Firstly poets during metaphysical movement used ordinary speech mixed with puns, paradoxes and conceits (Dr. Connor, n.d). Reader usually is given one idea or held in one line of argument. Dr. Obermeier (n.d) says in metaphysical poetry there are use of colloquial and homely language, conversational idiom; strong line; dramatic mode (use of apostrophe; poems become monologues or dialogues, prayers). Poems are less beautiful and magical but contain tricky style and strange images (Elizabethan poetry, n.d). Reader must both feel and think on or after reading. The metaphysical style was started by John Donne (a lawyer and priest), early in the 17th Century followed by other poets such as Crashaw, Cowley, George Herbert. Henry Vaughan, Andrew Marvell, Marvell, Edward Taylor, Richard Crashaw and others. Donne influenced most of the metaphysical poets (Albert, 1979). One of the poems written by Donne was “Woman’s constancy”. ‘The Mistress” was Abraham Cowley’s masterpiece (“Metaphysical Poets”, n.d).
Characteristics of Neoclassical Literature
Neoclassical literature is characterized by order, accuracy, and structure. In direct opposition to Renaissance attitudes, where man was seen as basically good, the neoclassical writers portrayed man as inherently flawed. They emphasized restraint, self-control, and common sense. This was a time whenconservatism flourished in both politics and literature.
Some popular types of literature included:
An Age of prose
Essays
Satire
Letters
Fables
Melodrama, and
Rhyming with couplets
Ø An Age of prose:-
In every preceding age we have noted especially the poetical works, which constitute, according to Matthew Arnold, the glory of English literature. Now for the first time we must chronicle the triumph of English prose. A multitude of practical interests arising from the new social and political conditions demanded expression, not simply in books, but more especially in pamphlets, magazines, and newspapers. Poetry was inadequate for such a task; hence the development of prose, of the "unfettered word," as Dante calls it,--a development which astonishes us by its rapidity and excellence. The graceful elegance of Addison's essays, the
Terse vigor of Swift's satires, the artistic finish of Fielding's novels, the sonorous of Gibbon's history and of Burke's orations,--these have no parallel in the poetry of the age. Indeed, poetry itself became prosaic in this respect, that it was used not for creative works of imagination, but for essays, for satire, for criticism,--for exactly the same practical ends as was prose. The poetry of the first half of the century, as typified in the work of Pope, is polished and witty enough, but artificial; it lacks fire, fine feeling, and enthusiasm, the glow of the Elizabethan Age and the moral earnestness of Puritanism. In a word, it interests us as a study of life, rather than delights or inspires us by its appeal to the imagination. The variety and excellence of prose works, and the development of a serviceable prose style, which had been begun by
Dryden, until it served to express clearly every human interest andEmotion,--these are the chief literary glories of the eighteenth century.
Ø Satire:-
In the literature of the preceding age we noted two marked tendencies,--the tendency to realism in subject-matter, and the tendency to polish and refinement of expression. Both these tendencies were continued in the Augustan Age, and are seen clearly in the poetry of Pope, who brought the couplet to perfection, and in the prose of Addison. A third tendency is shown in the prevalence of satire, resulting from the unfortunate union of politics with literature. We have already noted the power of the press in this age, and the perpetual strife of political parties. Nearly every writer of the first half of the century was used and rewarded by Whigs or
Tories for satirizing their enemies and for advancing their special political interests. Pope was a marked exception, but he nevertheless followed the prose writers in using satire too largely in his poetry. Now satire--that is, a literary work which searches out the faults of men or institutions in order to hold them up to ridicule--is at best a destructive kind of criticism. A satirist is like a laborer who clears away the ruins and rubbish of an old house before the architect and builders begin on a new and beautiful structure. The work may sometimes be necessary, but it rarely arouses our enthusiasm. While the satires of Pope, Swift, and Addison are doubtless the best in our language, we hardly place them with our great literature, which is always constructive in spirit; and we have the feeling that all these men were capable of better things than they ever wrote.
Ø THE CLASSIC AGE:-
The period we are studying is known to us by various names. It is often called the Age of Queen Anne; but, unlike Elizabeth, this "meekly stupid" queen had practically no influence upon our literature. The name Classic Age is more often heard; but in using it we should remember clearly these three different ways in which the word "classic" is applied to literature: (1) the term "classic" refers, in
General, to writers of the highest rank in any nation. As used in our literature, it was first applied to the works of the great Greek and Roman writers, like Homer and Virgil; and any English book which followed the simple and noble method of these writers was said to have a classic style. Later the term was enlarged to cover the great literary works of other ancient nations; so that the Bible and the Avestas, as well as the Iliad and the Adenoid, are called classics. (2) Every national literature has at least one period in which an unusual number of great writers are producing Books and this is called the classic period of a nation's literature. Thus the reign of Augustus is the classic or golden age of Rome; the generation of Dante is the classic age of Italian literature; the age of Louis XIV is the French classic age; and the age of Queen Anne is often called the classic age of England. (3) The word "classic" acquired an entirely different meaning in the period we are studying; and we shall better understand this by reference to the preceding ages. The Elizabethan writers were led by patriotism, by enthusiasm, and, in general, by romantic emotions. They wrote in a natural style, without regard to rules; and
Though they exaggerated and used too many words, their works are delightful because of their vigor and freshness and fine feeling. In the following age patriotism had largely disappeared from politics and enthusiasm from literature.
Work sited ....
https://study.com/academy/lesson/neoclassical-literature-definition-characteristics-movement.html
W.J.Long .History of ENGLISH literature .
To be continue.............😊.... Stay here ....
Introduction.........
The neoclassical period extends from late 16th century to 17thcentury. This period is also known as restoration period. The period is marked by the tremendous change in social order. They believed that social needs are more important than individual needs (“Main characteristics of literary periods”, n. d). The drive towards the acquisition and spread of knowledge was so powerful, hence the epoch is often called the Enlightenment and this influenced the literature. The literature was considered primarily as a means of education, becoming mostly didactic and moral. There was a believed that reason was the primary basis of authority and era is also referred as age of reason (“Introductory Lecture on the Neoclassical Period in English Literature”, n. d). With improved trade, commerce and literacy people started selling their ideas. Ancient Greek and Roman text, art and literature was referred and revisited influencing the way they write, act and think. Thus Neoclassicism was, in a sense, a revival of classical taste, but it was not identical to Classicism. “Neoclassical literature was defined by common sense, order, accuracy, and structure” (“Neoclassical Literature: Its Characteristics and Famous Examples”, n. d para 6). Literary work that came during this period include parody, fables, melodrama, rhyming with couplets, satire, letters, diaries, novels, and essays. Grammar and etymology are emphasized more (Neoclassical Literature: Its Characteristics and Famous Examples, n. d). Gale (2009) mentions that in the poetry, the classical forms of the heroic couplet and the ode became popular. There was a rise of ballad and sentimental poetry and poems were realistic and satirical. In poems there was no mention of spiritual bias, moral highness, or philosophy and that is trademark of the Restoration Era. No spontaneous idea can be put into poem. Comedy and tragedy are two genre of drama that was prevalent in that era (Gale, 2009). Novel of sensibility, particularly the work of Horace Walpole and Ann Radcliffe, appeared during the era. In short neoclassical era is perhaps best characterized by the key notions of imitation, rationalism, and convention. Ben Johnson, John Milton, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Voltaire and others are examples of neo-classical writers. Milton, author of "Paradise Lost," is sometimes cited as the most influential neoclassical writer. Absalom and Achitophelare great poems written by John Dryden. Tragedy “Aurangzeb” and“All for Love” were also his work. Alexander Pope wrote satirical poem “Dunciad” and “The Rape of the Lock”.
Modernism
Modern literature fiction writing was very popular approximately from the 1910s to 1960s (“What are characteristics of Modernist literature”, n. d). “Modernism” (2010) informs, “The period is marked by sudden and unexpected breaks with the traditional ways of viewing and interacting with the world” (para 1). There was strong reaction against religious, political and social views. There was a belief that world is created in the way people perceived, so world is what we say it is (“What is Modernism?”, n.d). It is the period of experiment or innovation. Modern literature is mainly preoccupied by the inner self and consciousness (Modernism, 2010) People in this era started to questions on sets of ideologies as there was social unrest “(What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular”, n.d). Too much of destruction, hopelessness, chaos, fear, terror and inhuman acts and effects produced by World Wars, movements and revolutions gave cultural shocks putting humanity into question. “Instead of progress, the Modernist writer saw a decline of civilization. Instead of new technology, the Modernist writer saw cold machinery and increased capitalism, which alienated the individual and led to loneliness” (“What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular? n.d, para 2). People found absence of connection with history or institution which gives experience of alienation, loss, and despair. Stagnant economic condition has led to uncertain future and lives. Modern literature studies about those happenings and lost meaning of life. Unlike preceding periods where heroism, faith and supernaturalism played predominant role in literature modernism focused on realism, futurism, symbolism, imagination and naturalism. Technical device used by modern writers are; it was open ended (epiphany), it was fragmented (no clear form, structure, plot, characteristics) and modern writing has more of stream of consciousness used (“What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular?”, n.d)). Irony, satire, and comparisons were often strongly employed in the literature. Metaphor, hyperbole and similes are used. Forms of drama presented in modern period are realism, naturalism, absurd and expressionism. Play within play is incorporated in Expressionism. During the era there was end of censorship and people explored on different subjects like political, religious, sex and gay. AIDS broke down becoming subjects of play (misery of marginalized). And subject of writing changed. Characters were machine or inanimate object instead of human (What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular? n.d). Modern writers are willing to experiment with new forms and writings. There was allusion in modern writing. They tried to see the world from as many points of view as possible at the same time.Some of the famous Modernist writers include Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, Joseph Conrad, T.S. Eliot, William Butler Yeats, Ezra Pound, D.H. Lawrence and others (“What are characteristics of Modernist literature, fiction in particular?”, n.d). In 1922 James Joyce wrote famous “Ulysses” and Daniel Defoe wrote “Robinson Crusoe”. T.S Eliot was also famous for his work, “The Waste Land”. “The Light House”of Virginia Woolf is example of modernist novel.
The Metaphysical Movement
Metaphysical is a term used for poetry (poems) written by group of poets of 17th century and those poets used similar poetic techniques (Obermeier n.d). It is not type of poetry but movement. Naeem (2010) noted that poetry during metaphysical period was intellectual, analytical, psychological and bold. Popular themes include death, love, human frailty and religious devotion. Poets of the era are said to have gone against the poets of Elizabethan era (Naeem, 2010). Poems are much more realistic. Poetry of age is famous for its difficulty and obscurity. There were formal tendencies to talk about deep philosophical issues. There was use of abstruse terminology often drawn from science or law making it difficult to understand. With, irony, and paradox are paramount. Poems are often presented in an argument form. Poems are of two types: love poetry and religious poetry. In love poetry, metaphysical poets draw ideas form Renaissance Net-Platonism showing relationship between the soul and body and body and union of love’s souls (Connor, n.d). Poems would have unified sensibility. Religious poetry got influence from religious hymns and sermon of Donne (Naeem, 2010).
Firstly poets during metaphysical movement used ordinary speech mixed with puns, paradoxes and conceits (Dr. Connor, n.d). Reader usually is given one idea or held in one line of argument. Dr. Obermeier (n.d) says in metaphysical poetry there are use of colloquial and homely language, conversational idiom; strong line; dramatic mode (use of apostrophe; poems become monologues or dialogues, prayers). Poems are less beautiful and magical but contain tricky style and strange images (Elizabethan poetry, n.d). Reader must both feel and think on or after reading. The metaphysical style was started by John Donne (a lawyer and priest), early in the 17th Century followed by other poets such as Crashaw, Cowley, George Herbert. Henry Vaughan, Andrew Marvell, Marvell, Edward Taylor, Richard Crashaw and others. Donne influenced most of the metaphysical poets (Albert, 1979). One of the poems written by Donne was “Woman’s constancy”. ‘The Mistress” was Abraham Cowley’s masterpiece (“Metaphysical Poets”, n.d).
Characteristics of Neoclassical Literature
Neoclassical literature is characterized by order, accuracy, and structure. In direct opposition to Renaissance attitudes, where man was seen as basically good, the neoclassical writers portrayed man as inherently flawed. They emphasized restraint, self-control, and common sense. This was a time whenconservatism flourished in both politics and literature.
Some popular types of literature included:
An Age of prose
Essays
Satire
Letters
Fables
Melodrama, and
Rhyming with couplets
Ø An Age of prose:-
In every preceding age we have noted especially the poetical works, which constitute, according to Matthew Arnold, the glory of English literature. Now for the first time we must chronicle the triumph of English prose. A multitude of practical interests arising from the new social and political conditions demanded expression, not simply in books, but more especially in pamphlets, magazines, and newspapers. Poetry was inadequate for such a task; hence the development of prose, of the "unfettered word," as Dante calls it,--a development which astonishes us by its rapidity and excellence. The graceful elegance of Addison's essays, the
Terse vigor of Swift's satires, the artistic finish of Fielding's novels, the sonorous of Gibbon's history and of Burke's orations,--these have no parallel in the poetry of the age. Indeed, poetry itself became prosaic in this respect, that it was used not for creative works of imagination, but for essays, for satire, for criticism,--for exactly the same practical ends as was prose. The poetry of the first half of the century, as typified in the work of Pope, is polished and witty enough, but artificial; it lacks fire, fine feeling, and enthusiasm, the glow of the Elizabethan Age and the moral earnestness of Puritanism. In a word, it interests us as a study of life, rather than delights or inspires us by its appeal to the imagination. The variety and excellence of prose works, and the development of a serviceable prose style, which had been begun by
Dryden, until it served to express clearly every human interest andEmotion,--these are the chief literary glories of the eighteenth century.
Ø Satire:-
In the literature of the preceding age we noted two marked tendencies,--the tendency to realism in subject-matter, and the tendency to polish and refinement of expression. Both these tendencies were continued in the Augustan Age, and are seen clearly in the poetry of Pope, who brought the couplet to perfection, and in the prose of Addison. A third tendency is shown in the prevalence of satire, resulting from the unfortunate union of politics with literature. We have already noted the power of the press in this age, and the perpetual strife of political parties. Nearly every writer of the first half of the century was used and rewarded by Whigs or
Tories for satirizing their enemies and for advancing their special political interests. Pope was a marked exception, but he nevertheless followed the prose writers in using satire too largely in his poetry. Now satire--that is, a literary work which searches out the faults of men or institutions in order to hold them up to ridicule--is at best a destructive kind of criticism. A satirist is like a laborer who clears away the ruins and rubbish of an old house before the architect and builders begin on a new and beautiful structure. The work may sometimes be necessary, but it rarely arouses our enthusiasm. While the satires of Pope, Swift, and Addison are doubtless the best in our language, we hardly place them with our great literature, which is always constructive in spirit; and we have the feeling that all these men were capable of better things than they ever wrote.
Ø THE CLASSIC AGE:-
The period we are studying is known to us by various names. It is often called the Age of Queen Anne; but, unlike Elizabeth, this "meekly stupid" queen had practically no influence upon our literature. The name Classic Age is more often heard; but in using it we should remember clearly these three different ways in which the word "classic" is applied to literature: (1) the term "classic" refers, in
General, to writers of the highest rank in any nation. As used in our literature, it was first applied to the works of the great Greek and Roman writers, like Homer and Virgil; and any English book which followed the simple and noble method of these writers was said to have a classic style. Later the term was enlarged to cover the great literary works of other ancient nations; so that the Bible and the Avestas, as well as the Iliad and the Adenoid, are called classics. (2) Every national literature has at least one period in which an unusual number of great writers are producing Books and this is called the classic period of a nation's literature. Thus the reign of Augustus is the classic or golden age of Rome; the generation of Dante is the classic age of Italian literature; the age of Louis XIV is the French classic age; and the age of Queen Anne is often called the classic age of England. (3) The word "classic" acquired an entirely different meaning in the period we are studying; and we shall better understand this by reference to the preceding ages. The Elizabethan writers were led by patriotism, by enthusiasm, and, in general, by romantic emotions. They wrote in a natural style, without regard to rules; and
Though they exaggerated and used too many words, their works are delightful because of their vigor and freshness and fine feeling. In the following age patriotism had largely disappeared from politics and enthusiasm from literature.
Work sited ....
https://study.com/academy/lesson/neoclassical-literature-definition-characteristics-movement.html
W.J.Long .History of ENGLISH literature .
To be continue.............😊.... Stay here ....
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