Neoclassicism

Definition

Neoclassicism is a cultural movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing the values and aesthetics of classical antiquity, particularly ancient Greece and Rome. This movement sought to promote reason, order, and harmony through the adoption of classical forms in art, literature, and philosophy, often reflecting ideals such as moral clarity and universal truths.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neoclassicism was characterized by its adherence to classical forms and styles, including the use of iambic pentameter in poetry and structured plots in drama.
2. The movement responded to the emotional excesses of the Baroque period by promoting clarity, restraint, and order in artistic expression.
3. Many neoclassical writers sought to emulate ancient authors like Homer and Virgil, drawing on their themes of heroism, morality, and societal ideals.
4. Neoclassicism also aligned with Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing reason and universal truths while often incorporating moral lessons into literature.
5. Key figures in neoclassicism included poets like Alexander Pope and John Dryden, who utilized heroic couplets and classical references to convey their messages.

Review Questions

• How did neoclassicism reflect the values of rationalism and Enlightenment thought in its approach to literature?
  • Neoclassicism reflected rationalism and Enlightenment thought by emphasizing reason, order, and moral clarity in literature. Writers adhered to classical forms and structures that prioritized logical expression over emotional excess. This focus on universality and moral lessons aligned with Enlightenment ideals, suggesting that literature could convey truths that resonated across cultures and time periods.
• In what ways did neoclassical writers utilize metaphysical conceits to convey their themes?
  • Neoclassical writers employed metaphysical conceits as a means to create striking comparisons that highlighted complex themes within their works. These elaborate metaphors allowed for deeper exploration of ideas such as love, morality, and society while adhering to classical conventions. By integrating these conceits into structured poetic forms, they maintained a balance between intellectual engagement and artistic expression.
• Evaluate the impact of neoclassicism on English adaptations of Roman poetry during its height in the 18th century.
  • The impact of neoclassicism on English adaptations of Roman poetry was profound during the 18th century as it inspired poets to mimic the styles and themes of ancient Roman authors like Horace and Ovid. Neoclassical poets sought to capture the elegance and moral dimensions present in Roman works while incorporating their own cultural context. This blending not only revived interest in classical literature but also fostered a sense of continuity in literary tradition, allowing English poets to establish their voices within a broader historical framework.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth, often associated with the Enlightenment.

Classicism:

An artistic style that draws inspiration from the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, focusing on balance, proportion, and adherence to established rules.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that championed reason, science, and individualism over tradition, often influencing neoclassical thought.