Paper 105A : Characteristics of Neo- Classical Age

 This blog is part of an assignment for the Paper 105A: History of English Literature – From 1350 to 1900 , Sem - 1, 2024.

Characteristics of Neo- Classical Age 

Table of Contents:-

• Personal Information

• Assignment Details

• Abstract

• Introduction

• Historical Context

• Characteristics of the Neo-Classical Age

• Conclusion

• References

Personal Information:-

Name:- Rutvi Pal

Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2024-2026)

Enrollment Number:- 5108240025

E-mail Address:-rutvipal4@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 27

Assignment Details:-

Topic: Characteristics of Neo- Classical Age 

Paper & subject code:-105A- History of English Literature – From 1350 to 1900  & 22396

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 20 November , 2024

Abstract:

The Neo-Classical Age (1660–1798) was a pivotal period in English literature, emphasizing reason, order, and classical ideals inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome. Emerging after the Restoration of Charles II, it focused on rationality, moral instruction, and structured artistic forms.Divided into the Restoration, Augustan, and Age of Johnson phases, the era saw writers like Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Johnson use satire, realism, and decorum to critique society and explore human nature. The period also marked the rise of the novel, with works like Richardson’s Pamela reflecting its didactic ethos. While drama declined, comedies of manners offered sharp social commentary.The Neo-Classical Age shaped English literature with its focus on intellectual refinement, moral guidance, and timeless classical principles.

Introduction:

The Neo-Classical Age, which spanned from approximately 1660 to 1798, represents a pivotal period in English literature and culture that sought to revive the ideals of classical antiquity. Emerging after the tumultuous years of the English Civil War and the subsequent Restoration of the monarchy, this era was characterized by a renewed interest in reason, order, and the values of Ancient Greece and Rome. The Neo-Classical movement influenced various forms of art, literature, and philosophy, leading to significant developments in English literature. This assignment explores the defining characteristics of the Neo-Classical Age, its historical context, major literary figures, and its lasting impact on subsequent literary movements.

Historical Context

The Restoration and Its Impact:

The Neo-Classical Age began with the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, which marked a return to monarchy after years of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell. This period was characterized by a relaxation of censorship and an increase in artistic expression. The Restoration brought about a vibrant cultural life in England, with theaters reopening and literature flourishing. Writers began to explore themes that reflected the social dynamics of their time, often critiquing society through satire.

The Augustan Age:

The Augustan Age (1700-1750) is often considered the high point of Neo-Classical literature. It was named after Augustus Caesar, who is associated with a golden age of Roman culture. During this time, writers like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift emerged as key figures who embodied the ideals of reason and decorum. Their works often reflected a belief in the power of human reason to understand and improve society.

The Age of Johnson:

The Age of Johnson (1750-1798) followed the Augustan Age and is named after Samuel Johnson, a prominent literary figure known for his dictionary and essays. This period saw a shift towards more personal expression in literature while still adhering to many Neo-Classical principles. Writers began to explore individual experience while maintaining a focus on moral lessons.

Characteristics of the Neo-Classical Age:

The Neo-Classical Age, often referred to as the Age of Reason or the Augustan Age, emerged in the late 17th century and spanned much of the 18th century. This era is marked by a conscious revival of classical ideals, emphasizing order, decorum, and rationality in literature, art, and thought. The writers of this period sought inspiration from the literary and cultural achievements of ancient Greece and Rome, aiming to establish a sense of balance and harmony in their works. The Neo-Classical Age profoundly shaped English literature, and its characteristics are reflected in the poetry, drama, prose, and satire of the time.

1. Dominance of Reason and Rationality:

The Neo-Classical Age was fundamentally an era of reason. Rationality was viewed as the defining attribute of humanity, and it was believed that through the use of intellect and logic, humans could achieve a harmonious existence. This belief was grounded in the Enlightenment, a broader intellectual movement that celebrated the power of human reason and the scientific method.

Literature of this age often depicted characters and situations governed by rational thought, avoiding the emotional excesses seen in earlier periods. This focus on intellect over emotion is vividly displayed in Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Man, which explores humanity's place in the universe:

 "Know then thyself, presume not God to scan,

The proper study of mankind is man."

Here, Pope articulates the importance of self-awareness and rational thought as tools for understanding human existence. The emphasis on reason shaped the very structure of Neo-Classical works, as seen in the logical progression of ideas in essays and the carefully balanced heroic couplets in poetry.

2. Imitation of Classical Antiquity:

Neo-Classical writers revered the works of classical authors like Homer, Virgil, Horace, and Ovid. They believed that these ancient texts embodied timeless principles of art and literature. This admiration led to the emulation of classical forms and themes, often with a focus on grandeur, symmetry, and elegance.

This influence is evident in the poetry of John Dryden and Alexander Pope. For instance, Dryden’s translations of Virgil and Pope’s rendition of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey illustrate their dedication to preserving and adapting classical masterpieces. The use of the heroic couplet, a form perfected by Pope, mirrors the structured elegance of classical literature. Pope’s The Rape of the Lock exemplifies this synthesis, blending classical epic conventions with contemporary satire.

3. Satire as a Literary Tool:

Satire flourished during the Neo-Classical Age, becoming one of its most distinctive features. Writers used satire to critique societal norms, politics, and human folly, employing wit and irony to expose moral and intellectual shortcomings. The satirical works of Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope are particularly notable.

Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels is a masterpiece of satirical fiction, using allegory and exaggeration to critique human nature and societal structures. His A Modest Proposal, with its shocking suggestion to solve poverty by eating children, exemplifies the sharp, moral underpinnings of Neo-Classical satire. Similarly, Pope’s The Dunciad attacks mediocrity in art and literature, highlighting the period's concern with maintaining high cultural standards.

Satire was not merely a tool for amusement; it was a means of moral instruction. Through humor and irony, writers sought to enlighten readers and inspire reform, making satire an integral part of the Neo-Classical ethos.

4. Adherence to Order and Decorum:

Decorum, or the principle of appropriateness, was a hallmark of the Neo-Classical Age. Writers adhered to strict rules governing style, tone, and subject matter, ensuring their works reflected propriety and dignity. This emphasis on order extended to the content, where characters and narratives were expected to conform to societal norms and moral expectations.

In drama, for example, William Congreve’s The Way of the World and Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The School for Scandal demonstrate the application of decorum through their portrayal of refined manners and social etiquette. Similarly, poetry of the time adhered to structured forms like the heroic couplet, with its balanced lines and rhythmic precision, embodying the harmony prized by Neo-Classical writers.

5. Moral Didacticism:

Literature during the Neo-Classical Age was often didactic, serving to instruct and guide readers. Writers believed that art should not only entertain but also uphold ethical values and contribute to the betterment of society.

In Samuel Richardson’s Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, the moral lessons are explicit, with virtue and chastity being rewarded by marriage and social elevation. Pope’s An Essay on Criticism combines literary guidance with broader reflections on human behavior, advocating for humility, good taste, and ethical conduct:

 "To err is human; to forgive, divine."

This moral didacticism reflects the Neo-Classical belief in the potential of literature to shape individual character and social order.

6. Realism and Urban Focus:

The Neo-Classical Age marked a shift towards realism, with literature focusing on everyday life and universal human experiences. Unlike the fantastical and imaginative works of the Renaissance, Neo-Classical literature depicted society as it was, often with a satirical edge.

The rise of cities and the middle class influenced the themes and settings of Neo-Classical works. Coffeehouses and salons became hubs of intellectual and literary activity, and writers like Addison and Steele captured the vibrancy of urban life in periodicals such as The Spectator. These essays offered moral and practical guidance, reflecting the concerns of an increasingly sophisticated and literate audience.

7. The Rise of the Novel:

The novel emerged as a dominant literary form during the Neo-Classical Age, catering to the tastes of a growing middle-class readership. Writers like Richardson, Fielding, and Sterne developed the novel as a means of exploring individual character and societal dynamics.

Richardson’s Pamela and Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones exemplify the early English novel, blending detailed character development with moral lessons. The focus on realism and human behavior in these works underscores the Neo-Classical commitment to portraying life with authenticity and precision.

8. Emphasis on Harmony and Balance:

The Neo-Classical Age was deeply influenced by the classical ideals of harmony, symmetry, and balance. These principles were evident not only in literary form but also in the thematic unity of works.

The heroic couplet, with its paired lines of equal length and rhyme, exemplifies this emphasis on balance. Pope’s poetry, in particular, demonstrates a meticulous attention to form and structure, creating a sense of order and elegance that mirrors the broader aesthetic values of the age.

9. Decline of Drama:

While the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras were characterized by a flourishing of drama, the Neo-Classical Age saw a decline in its popularity. The closing of theaters during the Puritan regime and the rise of prose and satire contributed to this shift. However, the period produced notable comedies of manners, which satirized the behaviors and values of the upper class.

Sheridan’s The Rivals and The School for Scandal exemplify the wit and sophistication of Neo-Classical drama, focusing on themes of social pretension and moral hypocrisy.

Conclusion:

The Neo-Classical Age was a period of remarkable intellectual and artistic achievement, defined by its adherence to reason, order, and classical ideals. Writers of this era sought to elevate literature by emulating the principles of antiquity, blending moral instruction with artistic refinement. The focus on satire, decorum, and realism, coupled with the rise of the novel, highlights the enduring influence of the Neo-Classical Age on English literature. Its legacy is a testament to the power of literature to reflect and shape the cultural and intellectual currents of its time.

References:

A history of English literature. (2024, September 29). https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/70731/pg70731-images.html

 Long, William J. English Literature. Maple press Pvt Limited, 2012.