Neoclassicism (1660-1798)

• Neoclassicism

  • Western cultural movement
  • inspired by classical antiquity
  • "imitation" & "nature"
  • opposed stylistic excesses, superfluous ornamentation, linguistic over sophistication
  • "high distinctive value" for high echelons of society
  • fashion
  • intellect
  • good manners
• Neoclassical literature


  • Parodies
  • Essays
  • Satires
  • Letters
  • Fables
  • Melodrama
  • Rhymes (couplets)
• Neoclassicism

  • Born out of the neoclassical era
  • Tried to copy the Roman and Greek Classics
  • Writers sought to copy the Greek and the Roman style
  • Classics brought a very high distinctive value especially to the highest members of the society
  • Time when people valued fashion, intellect and good manners especially when these could be flaunted in public
• Neoclassicism

  • Rehash of Classical style
  • Primarily dwell on the assumption that humans are naturally flawed
  • Flaws are to be prevented if not hidden through self-control, restraint and common sense
• Stages of the Neoclassical Period of literature

  • Restoration period
  • Augustan period
  • Age of Johnson