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The Neoclassical Period in English literature (1660-1798) represents an era that valued reason, order, and classical ideals. Emerging after the Renaissance and preceding Romanticism, this period encompassed three major phases: the Restoration Age (1660-1700), the Augustan Age (1700-1750), and the Age of Johnson (1750-1798). Writers of this era looked to ancient Greek and Roman models, emphasizing clarity, precision, and moral instruction in their works.
The Neoclassical movement coincided with the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that emphasized reason, science, and empirical evidence. Key historical developments that shaped the period include:
Neoclassical writers shared several distinctive features in their approach to literature:
Writers looked to ancient Greek and Roman authors like Horace, Virgil, and Juvenal for their forms and styles. This included:
Literature was seen as an intellectual exercise rather than an emotional outlet. Works often:
Most works aimed to instruct as well as entertain, teaching moral lessons about:
Discover the major works that defined this influential period:
The transitional figure between Restoration and Neoclassical periods:
The quintessential Augustan poet:
Master of satire and social commentary:
The dominant literary figure of the late Neoclassical period:
Own a facsimile of the groundbreaking work that standardized English:
Dominant poetic forms included:
The period saw remarkable developments in prose:
Though less dominant than in the Restoration, important developments included:
By the late 18th century, Neoclassical ideals began giving way to Romantic sensibilities. Key transitional figures and works include:
The definitive collection of the Augustan Age's greatest poet:
The Neoclassical period left an enduring mark on English literature:
While the Romantics would rebel against Neoclassical restraint, they built upon its technical accomplishments. The period's emphasis on clarity, precision, and social engagement continues to influence writers today, proving that reason and artistry can indeed coexist in literature.
