Neoclassicism

Definition

Neoclassicism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a return to classical ideals of beauty, order, and reason derived from ancient Greek and Roman works. It emphasized clarity, symmetry, and simplicity, often employing satire and social criticism to address contemporary issues. This movement also shaped poetry, focusing on formal structures and themes drawn from classical literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neoclassicism was heavily influenced by the Enlightenment, which promoted reason and rational thought as guiding principles.
2. Key writers associated with neoclassicism include Alexander Pope, John Dryden, and Jonathan Swift, who often used satire to critique society.
3. Neoclassical poetry is known for its strict adherence to forms such as the heroic couplet, which emphasizes rhythm and rhyme.
4. The movement sought to emulate the perceived purity and simplicity of ancient art, leading to a preference for balanced structures in literature and art.
5. Neoclassicism began to decline in the late 18th century with the rise of Romanticism, which emphasized emotion and individualism over classical restraint.

Review Questions

• How did neoclassicism utilize satire as a means of social criticism during its peak?
  • Neoclassicism employed satire as a powerful tool for social criticism by allowing writers to expose societal flaws and injustices through humor and wit. Authors like Jonathan Swift used satirical works to comment on politics and human nature, prompting readers to reflect on contemporary issues. By drawing from classical forms and structures, these satirical pieces maintained an air of respectability while challenging the status quo.
• Discuss the key characteristics of neoclassical poetry and how they reflect the movement's overall ideals.
  • Neoclassical poetry is defined by its emphasis on formal structure, including rhyme schemes and meter, particularly the use of heroic couplets. Poets valued clarity, precision, and logical argumentation over emotional expression. This adherence to classical forms reflected neoclassicism's overall ideals of order and reason, as poets aimed to imitate the 'greats' of ancient literature while addressing contemporary themes relevant to their society.
• Evaluate the impact of neoclassicism on subsequent literary movements, particularly Romanticism.
  • Neoclassicism significantly impacted later literary movements by establishing a foundation based on reason, structure, and classical reference. However, its decline paved the way for Romanticism's emergence in the late 18th century. Romantic writers reacted against neoclassical constraints by emphasizing individual emotions, nature, and personal experience. This shift transformed literature by valuing subjectivity over objectivity and reshaped readers' expectations about what poetry and prose could express.

Related terms

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

Classical Tradition: The body of work and cultural norms that originated from ancient Greek and Roman literature and art, which served as a foundation for later artistic movements.

Augustan Age: The period in English literature during the early 18th century known for its emphasis on reason, order, and clarity, heavily influenced by neoclassical ideals.