Augustan Literature

Definition

Augustan literature refers to a period of English literature during the late 17th and early 18th centuries that is characterized by a focus on reason, order, and clarity, often reflecting the political and cultural climate of the time. This era saw a revival of classical ideals and was marked by the works of significant writers who emphasized satire, wit, and moral lessons, connecting to earlier Roman influences while also paving the way for the Neo-classical movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Augustan literature is often associated with key authors like John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Jonathan Swift who used satire to comment on societal issues.
2. The period is named after Augustus Caesar, reflecting a connection to the Roman Empire’s cultural achievements and values.
3. A major influence on Augustan writers was the Restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660, which led to a renewed interest in classical forms of writing.
4. This era produced significant works such as Pope's 'The Rape of the Lock' and Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels,' which both showcase the satirical style typical of the time.
5. Augustan literature laid the groundwork for later literary movements by promoting ideas about reason and individualism that influenced Enlightenment thinkers.

Review Questions

• How did Augustan literature reflect the political and cultural climate of its time?
  • Augustan literature mirrored its political and cultural environment by emphasizing reason, order, and moral lessons during a period marked by political restoration and social change. Writers like Dryden and Swift used satire to critique societal norms and political corruption, revealing the complexities of human behavior. Their works not only entertained but also prompted readers to engage with contemporary issues, showcasing literature's role in reflecting societal values.
• In what ways did Augustan literature draw inspiration from classical ideals, and how did this influence subsequent literary movements?
  • Augustan literature drew heavily from classical ideals by emphasizing clarity, balance, and rationality reminiscent of Ancient Greek and Roman texts. Writers sought to emulate classical forms while addressing contemporary themes through satire. This connection set the stage for Neo-classicism, as authors began to adopt classical principles to shape their own works while critiquing modern society.
• Analyze how key authors of Augustan literature utilized satire to convey their messages about society.
  • Key authors such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope effectively employed satire as a means to scrutinize societal norms, politics, and human behavior. For instance, Swift's 'A Modest Proposal' provocatively addressed issues of poverty by suggesting absurd solutions to highlight governmental indifference. Similarly, Pope's 'The Rape of the Lock' used humor to critique social elitism. Their satirical techniques not only entertained but also forced readers to confront uncomfortable truths about their world.

Related terms

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society in general.

Neo-classicism: An artistic movement that drew inspiration from the classical art and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing harmony, clarity, and restraint in literature and the arts.

Pope: Alexander Pope was a prominent poet of the Augustan era known for his satirical verse and use of heroic couplets, embodying the values of clarity and order characteristic of this literary period.