Origin of the Neoclassical Age

The Neoclassical Age in English literature (1660–1798) was a period that saw a revival of classical ideals of ancient Greek and Roman literature. This period followed the Renaissance and was influenced by the Restoration of the monarchy in England (1660), marking the transition from the extravagance of the Renaissance to a more structured and formal literary style. The age is generally divided into three phases:

  1. The Restoration Age (1660–1700) – Dominated by the works of John Dryden.
  2. The Augustan Age (1700–1745) – Marked by the writings of Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift.
  3. The Age of Sensibility (1745–1798) – Transitioning towards Romanticism, represented by writers like Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke.

Causing Movements of the Neoclassical Age

Several movements contributed to the rise of Neoclassicism:

  1. The Restoration (1660): The return of Charles II to the throne led to a rejection of Puritanism and the revival of classical artistic ideals.
  2. The Enlightenment (17th–18th Century): This intellectual movement emphasized reason, logic, and scientific thought, influencing literature towards clarity, order, and realism.
  3. French Classicism: Writers like Boileau and Racine inspired English authors to adopt structured forms and satirical tones.
  4. Greek and Roman Influence: Writers sought inspiration from classical texts, adopting their style, themes, and literary devices.

Neoclassical Literature and Its Characteristics

Neoclassical literature was characterized by:

  1. Imitation of Classical Models: Writers followed the rules of Aristotle and Horace, emphasizing form and structure.
  2. Reason and Order: Literature focused on rationality rather than emotion, promoting logical analysis and social commentary.
  3. Satire and Criticism: Many writers used wit and satire to criticize society, politics, and human follies.
  4. Moral and Didactic Tone: Literature aimed to teach moral lessons and promote virtuous living.
  5. Use of Heroic Couplets: Poets often employed rhymed iambic pentameter to maintain balance and harmony in their verse.
  6. Urban and Social Themes: Unlike the pastoral themes of Renaissance literature, Neoclassicism focused on city life, politics, and human nature.

Prominent Writings and Writers of the Neoclassical Age

  1. John Dryden (1631–1700): Considered the father of Neoclassicism, Dryden wrote plays, poetry, and criticism.

    • Absalom and Achitophel (1681) – A political satire.
    • Mac Flecknoe (1682) – A mock-heroic poem.

  2. Alexander Pope (1688–1744): Known for his mastery of heroic couplets and satirical tone.

    • The Rape of the Lock (1712) – A mock-epic satirizing aristocratic society.
    • The Dunciad (1728) – A satire on literary mediocrity.
    • An Essay on Criticism (1711) – A work on poetic theory.

  3. Jonathan Swift (1667–1745): A master of satire and social critique.

    • Gulliver’s Travels (1726) – A political and social satire.
    • A Modest Proposal (1729) – A darkly satirical essay on economic issues.

  4. Joseph Addison (1672–1719) and Richard Steele (1672–1729):

    • The Spectator (1711) – A daily publication promoting morality and refined taste.

  5. Samuel Johnson (1709–1784): A great lexicographer and critic.

    • A Dictionary of the English Language (1755) – The first comprehensive English dictionary.
    • The Lives of the Poets (1779–1781) – A biographical and critical work.

  6. Edmund Burke (1729–1797):

    • A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful (1757) – A work influencing aesthetics and Romantic thought.

The Neoclassical Age was an era of rationalism, clarity, and structured literary expression. It set the foundation for modern literary criticism and greatly influenced later movements, including Romanticism. While it lacked the emotional depth of the Romantic period, its emphasis on form, balance, and satire made it a defining era in English literature.