Baroque

Definition

Baroque refers to a highly decorative and theatrical style that emerged in Europe during the late 16th century and lasted into the 18th century, influencing art, architecture, music, and literature. Characterized by exaggerated motion, clear detail, and emotional intensity, baroque works often sought to evoke a sense of awe and grandeur. In the context of epic poetry, this style manifests through intricate narrative structures and elaborate descriptions that aim to engage the reader's imagination on multiple levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Baroque literature often features elaborate metaphors and similes that create vivid imagery and emotional resonance.
2. The style is marked by a focus on conflict and duality, presenting moral struggles and dramatic tensions within characters' journeys.
3. Baroque poets utilized various forms, including sonnets and odes, to reflect the complexity and richness of their themes.
4. Lucan's 'Pharsalia' exemplifies baroque elements through its grand scale and focus on the chaos of civil war, highlighting both personal and political conflicts.
5. The baroque movement laid the groundwork for later literary movements by emphasizing individual emotion and experience as central to storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does the baroque style manifest in Lucan's 'Pharsalia,' particularly in its treatment of themes like conflict and emotion?
  • In 'Pharsalia,' the baroque style is evident through Lucan's intricate narrative techniques that amplify themes of conflict and emotion. The poem's portrayal of the civil war reflects a deep emotional intensity as it explores personal turmoil alongside broader societal chaos. This dual focus on individual experience against the backdrop of epic conflict exemplifies the baroque inclination towards heightened drama and complexity in storytelling.
• Discuss the relationship between baroque aesthetics and the Counter-Reformation's influence on epic poetry during this period.
  • The Counter-Reformation significantly shaped baroque aesthetics by promoting religious themes that emphasized emotional appeal and dramatic narratives. Epic poetry from this period often reflects these ideals through its grandiose language and complex characterizations that align with the spiritual fervor of the time. This fusion allowed poets to engage readers more deeply with moral dilemmas while reinforcing Catholic values amidst Protestant challenges.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of baroque poetry differ from those of earlier poetic forms, using 'Pharsalia' as a specific example.
  • 'Pharsalia' serves as a prime example of how baroque poetry diverges from earlier forms through its ambitious scale and thematic depth. Unlike traditional epics focused primarily on heroism and honor, Lucan’s work delves into moral ambiguity and psychological conflict within characters. The use of elaborate imagery and complex narrative structures illustrates a shift towards prioritizing emotional engagement over straightforward storytelling, marking a significant evolution in epic poetry.

Related terms

Caravaggism: A style of painting inspired by Caravaggio, emphasizing dramatic lighting, realism, and emotional depth, reflective of the baroque aesthetic.

Counter-Reformation: A period of Catholic revival initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation, which heavily influenced baroque art and literature as a means of expressing religious fervor.

Epic Poetry: A lengthy narrative poem that typically details heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation, often enhanced by baroque stylistic elements.