The Neoclassical Period
Introduction to Neoclassicism :
Neo-classicism was a literary and artistic movement that lasted from approximately the early 1600s until the late 1700s, and it significantly influenced culture during this time. There have been debates between literary scholars over when exactly neo-classicism begun. Two basic schools of thought exist. One believing that it began in the early 1600s, whereas another would argue that the movement began closer to 1660 when the Restoration occurred. Regardless of which side is right, there is a great deal of overlap.
Neo-classicism was prevalent across Europe, with some of the biggest literary strides occurring in England. Neo-classicism focused on taking aspects of Ancient Greek and Roman art and literature and imitating them. These original Ancient Greek and Roman texts were called classical works. Neo-classicism reworked these forms from antiquity for the modern day. Young artists and writers became increasingly more aware of the artistic cultures of Ancient Greece and Rome and then used them in their own art
Neo-classicism also coincided with the Age of Enlightenment. The principles of this period came to influence Neo-classicist writing. Writers in the movement often questioned accepted social and cultural norms, moving towards new perceptions of more widespread equality.
Admiral quality of the Neoclassical period:(Q4)
There are many good values and good quality of this age . But, what I personally fascinated about is the freedom of expression of this very age. It's unmatched to any other period . Satire was on it's peak in this age. Poetry was dominated by satire. Poets satirized each other,developing each other’s poems and often writing directly contrasting poems. Freedom of expression is very necessary to evolve because than only we can discover something new or can conclude what's right and wrong and above all every human being has right to express his views and opinions.
Favorite Text From Neoclassicism :(Q2)
My personal favourite text from neo classical period is Paradise Lost written by John Milton.
It's an epic poem written in blank verse . My personal favourite writter is also John Milton.
Paradise Lost is a poetic rewriting of the book of Genesis. It tells the story of the fall of Satan and his compatriots, the creation of man, and, most significantly, of man’s act ofdisobedience and its consequences: paradise was lost for us. It is a literary text that goes beyond the traditional limitations of literary story telling, because for the Christian reader and for the predominant ethos of Western thinking and culture it involved the original story.
John Milton is best known for Paradise Lost, widely regarded as the greatest epic poem in English. Together with Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes, it confirms Milton’s reputation as one of the greatest English poets. In his prose works Milton advocated the abolition of the Church and the execution of Charles I. From the beginning of the English Civil Wars in 1642 to long after the restoration of Charles II as king in 1660, he espoused in all his works a political philosophy that opposed tyranny and state-sanctioned religion. His influence extended not only through the civil wars and interregnum but also to the American and French revolutions. In his works on theology, he valued liberty of conscience,the paramount importance of Scripture as a guide in matters of faith, and religious toleration toward dissidents. As a civil servant, Milton became the voice of the English Commonwealth after 1649 through his handling of its international correspondence and his defense of the government against polemical attacks from abroad.
Comparison of general characteristics of Elizabethan age and neo classical age:(Q1)
The Elizabethan Age (1558-1603) was marked by artistic flourishing, exploration, and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It saw the rise of Shakespearean drama, the English Renaissance, and a fascination with exploration and new knowledge.
The Neoclassical Age (1660-1798) followed, emphasizing reason, order, and imitation of classical art forms. It was characterized by a focus on reason, clarity, and moral values, often drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman literature and art. This period gave rise to writers like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift.
Both ages had distinct cultural and artistic trends, but they both contributed significantly to shaping the literary landscape of their respective eras.
Presentation on Richard Steel (one of many prominent figure of Augustan Age).(Q3)
Work Cited:
Wikipedia
YouTube study lovers channel
Encyclopedia.com
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