Decorum

Definition

Decorum refers to the appropriateness of style and content in literature, particularly poetry, ensuring that the tone, diction, and subject matter match the character and situation being portrayed. It emphasizes that different genres and characters require different levels of language and expression, which helps maintain the integrity and believability of a work. This principle is crucial in Classical poetry, as it lays the foundation for how poets should approach their subjects and characters in a manner that resonates with their intended audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Decorum dictates that a hero should be portrayed with elevated language while a comic character might use more colloquial speech, reflecting their social standing.
2. Aristotle’s Poetics emphasized decorum as essential for achieving artistic coherence and emotional impact in tragic and comedic works.
3. In the Classical tradition, decorum was not just about language but also about maintaining the moral and ethical boundaries appropriate to each character's role.
4. Decorum influenced later poetic theories by establishing guidelines for how poets could balance form and content, ensuring they align with cultural expectations.
5. During the Neoclassical period, adherence to decorum became even more significant as writers sought to revive and emulate Classical forms with a strict adherence to established rules.

Review Questions

• How does decorum influence character portrayal in Classical poetry?
  • Decorum influences character portrayal by dictating that the language and behavior of a character must align with their social status and situation. For example, noble characters are often depicted using elevated language and grand themes, while lower-class characters may use simpler language and more everyday concerns. This distinction not only enhances the realism of the characters but also allows the audience to connect with them on appropriate emotional levels.
• Discuss how decorum relates to the principles outlined in Aristotle's Poetics and its impact on later poetic theory.
  • In Aristotle's Poetics, decorum is a central principle that ensures consistency in tone, style, and moral themes within a literary work. By advocating for decorum, Aristotle established guidelines that later poets adhered to when crafting their own works. This influenced later poetic theory by promoting the idea that poets must maintain an appropriate balance between form and content, thereby shaping how subsequent generations understood literary composition.
• Evaluate the role of decorum in the Neoclassical revival of Classical forms and its significance for modern literature.
  • During the Neoclassical revival, decorum became a crucial standard for writers who sought to emulate Classical forms. Writers like Alexander Pope emphasized strict adherence to decorum to ensure that their works reflected moral clarity and aesthetic harmony. This focus on appropriate expression not only honored Classical traditions but also laid the groundwork for modern literature by establishing expectations around style and content that continue to influence literary standards today.

Related terms

Stylistic Unity: The principle that all elements of a literary work should work together harmoniously to support the overall theme and style.

Genre: A category of literature characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter, such as tragedy, comedy, or epic.

Mimesis: The imitation of life in art and literature, where decorum plays a role in how accurately characters reflect societal norms and behaviors.