A brief introduction to Neoclassical age (1660-1785) of English literature

Neoclassical age (1660-1785):

The neoclassical period was an institution of poets where the lights of knowledge acquisition with discipline and respect was given an overwhelming importance. This period marked an influx of theatre. This was also marked age of reasons or good sense. This was the 18th century literature.

Style/genres:

- satire, Poetry, essays, letters, diaries, biographies, novels

Contents:

Since this was the age of enlightenment, the literary content had emphasis on reasons and logic.

- Stability , wisdom, conventions, tradition

- Emphasis on individual

- Nature as background of Poetry

- Belief that man is basically evil

- Approach to life ‘the world is as it should be’

- Also known as Augustan period because English life and literature has reached an eliminating period of civilization and elegance corresponding to that which existed at Rome under the emperor Augustin.

Key authors of this period:

- Alexander Pope

- Daniel Defoe

- Jonathan Swift

- Samuel Johnson

- John Bunyan

What are characteristics of Elizabethan Period (1558-1603) ?

Elizabethan period of English literature was marked by great composers such as William Shakespeare, Sir Edmund Spencer, Sir Philip Sydney, Christopher Marlowe and Francis Bacon.

Characteristics of Elizabethan Period:

• It was dominated by the spirit of romance.
• Largely influenced by the literature of Italy.
• The literary spirit was all persuasive and the authors were men (not yet women) of almost every class.
• Poetry preferred pastoral theme.
• Idealized the ‘Golden Age’ of old England.
• The comedies used Italian or Latin comedies as sources.
• Tragedian were melodramatic and concerned with the darker side of human character.
• Lust, adultery, corruption and death were literary themes.
• Politics and history interested all the play writes.
• Idealization of women, love, marriage and courtship remain the main theme.
• Religious allegory, themes of humour and chivalry, courage and fidelity were important themes.
• Satire on London life, it’s corruption, moral depravity, and lack of faith were also pervasive in literature.
• Elizabethan poets were under the influence of Homer and other classical poets.
• Poetry, sonnet, drama and metaphysical poetry were also in use in literature.