Classicism

Definition

Classicism is an artistic and literary movement that emphasizes the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman culture, particularly harmony, proportion, balance, and a focus on reason and order. It is characterized by an appreciation for clarity, restraint, and adherence to established forms and genres. This movement strongly influenced Enlightenment thinkers, who valued rationality and the exploration of human nature, leading to a rich body of literature that reflects these principles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Classicism sought to emulate the great works of ancient Greek and Roman literature, focusing on themes such as heroism, morality, and rational thought.
2. Enlightenment writers like Voltaire critiqued society through classicist ideals, employing satire to highlight moral truths and advocate for social reform.
3. Rousseau's emphasis on emotion and individual experience can be seen as both a departure from classicism and a conversation with its ideals about human nature.
4. Goethe's works often blended classicist elements with romantic themes, exploring the tension between reason and emotion in his character development.
5. The principles of classicism have influenced not only literature but also other art forms like architecture, painting, and music during the Enlightenment period.

Review Questions

• How did classicism influence the literary works of Enlightenment writers?
  • Classicism significantly shaped Enlightenment literature by promoting values such as reason, order, and moral clarity. Writers like Voltaire utilized these classicist ideals to critique societal norms and advocate for progress. By drawing on ancient themes and structures, they created works that resonated with contemporary readers while emphasizing the importance of rational thought and ethical behavior.
• In what ways did Rousseau's ideas challenge traditional classicist notions while still engaging with them?
  • Rousseau challenged classicist notions by prioritizing emotion and personal experience over reason and order. While classicism celebrated rationality, Rousseau emphasized the value of individual feelings and instincts. Despite this shift, his work still engaged with classicist themes such as the exploration of human nature and morality, creating a complex relationship between his romantic approach and classical ideals.
• Evaluate how Goethe's integration of classicist elements reflects broader cultural shifts during the Enlightenment.
  • Goethe's integration of classicist elements in his works reflects a significant cultural shift during the Enlightenment where reason was increasingly juxtaposed with emotion. His exploration of characters' inner conflicts illustrates the tension between rational thought and emotional depth. This blending of classicism with emerging romantic ideals showcases the complexity of human experience during a time when traditional values were being reexamined, highlighting how literature evolved in response to changing philosophical landscapes.

Related terms

Rationalism:

A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge, emphasizing logic and critical thinking as essential tools for understanding the world.

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that emerged in the 18th century as a revival of classical styles, emphasizing symmetry, simplicity, and adherence to classical themes and forms.

Humanism:

A cultural and intellectual movement that focuses on human values and concerns, often emphasizing the study of classical texts and the importance of individual potential.