Artistic decorum

Definition

Artistic decorum refers to the appropriate style, tone, and content that aligns with the subject matter in literature and art. This concept emphasizes that different genres and themes require specific conventions that suit their nature, which helps maintain coherence and enhances the audience's experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pope's use of artistic decorum is evident in his satirical works, where he expertly balances humor with serious themes.
2. He believed that each literary form has its own rules and expectations, which he adhered to while pushing those boundaries.
3. In 'The Rape of the Lock', Pope combines epic conventions with light subject matter, showcasing his mastery of decorum.
4. Artistic decorum also reflects Pope's view on moral and social issues, allowing him to comment on society while maintaining a suitable tone.
5. Pope's innovations often involved the subversion of traditional decorum, using irony and wit to challenge the norms of his time.

Review Questions

• How does Pope's application of artistic decorum influence his satirical style?
  • Pope's application of artistic decorum plays a significant role in shaping his satirical style by ensuring that he uses the appropriate tone and form for his subjects. He skillfully blends humor with serious commentary, which allows him to critique societal norms while still engaging his audience. This balance not only showcases his literary skill but also enhances the effectiveness of his satire, making his criticisms both entertaining and thought-provoking.
• In what ways does Pope demonstrate flexibility within artistic decorum through his works?
  • Pope demonstrates flexibility within artistic decorum by manipulating traditional genre conventions to suit his thematic goals. For example, in 'The Rape of the Lock', he employs epic tropes while addressing a trivial social incident, effectively subverting expectations. This clever interplay not only highlights the absurdity of the situation but also critiques the societal values of his time, illustrating how decorum can be adapted for powerful commentary.
• Evaluate how Pope's innovations related to artistic decorum reflect broader cultural shifts during the Enlightenment.
  • Pope's innovations related to artistic decorum reflect broader cultural shifts during the Enlightenment by emphasizing reason, individualism, and critical thought. His ability to blend high literary forms with common themes allows him to engage with contemporary issues while adhering to and challenging established norms. This approach mirrors the Enlightenment's emphasis on questioning authority and tradition, as Pope not only embraces decorum but also uses it as a tool for social critique and reflection on human nature.

Related terms

Genre: A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.

Censorship: The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information on the basis that it is considered objectionable or harmful.

Sublime: A quality of greatness or grandeur that inspires awe and admiration, often used in contrast to decorum in literature.