Neoclassical Literature and Its Philosophical Underpinnings

 Neoclassical Literature and It's Philosophical Underpinnings

Self Introduction :-

Name : Rahul Desai

Roll no : 26

Semester : 1

Paper no : 105

Paper Name : Literature of Neo-Classical period 

Assignment Topic : Neoclassical Literature and It's Philosophical Underpinnings

Submitted To : Smt S.B. Gardi, Department of English (Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University )

Email ID : rahuldesai477@gmail.com

Table of contents :-

➣ Background of Neo-Classical Period

1. Characteristics of Neo-Classical Period :-

2. Neoclassicism vs. Romanticism: A Comparative Analysis :-

3. Neoclassical Ethics and Morality in Literature :-

4. Neoclassical Women writers and Their Contributions :-

5. Neoclassicism in Prose Fiction :-

6. Neoclassical Poetry and influence of Nature :-

7. Neoclassicism and National Identity :-

8. Satire and Moral Instruction :-

9. Critique of Neoclassicism: Reaction and Opposition :-

10. Representation of Rationalism and Reason :-

➣ Conclusion :-

➣ References :-

➣ Background of Neo-Classical Period :-

Neoclassical period (1660-1785) is the period of Enlightenment of new thoughts, ideas, unity and many other great things. Neoclassical period was influenced by contemporary French Literature which was in the midst of it greatest age. The literature of this time is known for its use of philosophy, reason, skepticism, wit and refinement. The Neoclassical Period is the first mark of the age of English Literary Criticism. This period is also known as the Augustan or Classic period.

Neoclassical period known as a 18th century or Augustan age. The first half of the 18th century is remarkable for the rapid social development in England. The Neoclassical period in English literature, spanning roughly from the late 17th to the late 18th century, was characterized by a revival of classical ideals and a profound emphasis on reason, order, and formal structure in literary works. Inspired by the values of ancient Greece and Rome, Neoclassical writers sought to emulate the clarity, restraint, and balance found in classical literature. This era marked a departure from the flamboyance of the preceding Renaissance period, focusing instead on rationality, logic, and social harmony. Neoclassical literature emphasized clarity of expression, adherence to established literary forms such as the heroic couplet, and the exploration of moral and didactic themes, aiming to instruct and edify readers through reason and intellect. 

Now let's discuss in detail about the topic...

✰ Topic :-

Neoclassical Literature and It's Philosophical Underpinnings 

1. Characteristics of Neo-Classical Period :-

Characteristics of Neo-Classical Literature is the most attractive acknowledgement of all. This age is also called as a age of prose.  According to Matthew Arnold, in every preceding age we have noted especially the political works which constitute, is the glory of  English Literature. For the first time we must chronicle the triumph of English prose. In this era, the new social and political conditions demanded expression, not simply in books, but more especially in pamphlets, magazines, and newspapers. Hence the development of prose, of the "unfettered word," as Dante calls it, a development which astonishes us by its rapidity and excellence.

Also the writers must focused on clarity and reason in their writing. They preferred straightforward language and logical, organized structures in their works. Neoclassical writers looked back to ancient Greek and Roman literature for inspiration. They used established forms like the heroic couplet and followed classical conventions in their poetry, plays, and essays. Many works aimed to teach moral lessons. Writers often used their stories or poems to teach readers about ethics, virtues, and proper behaviour. In this age satire was a popular tool. Writers used it to mock or criticize societal flaws, often aiming to bring about change or expose hypocrisy in politics and society. Despite the focus on classical ideals, Neoclassical literature engaged with contemporary events, discussing politics, social issues, and the changing world around them. Neoclassical literature valued moderation and control. Emotions were restrained, and excesses were avoided, reflecting a preference for balance and decorum. The term of "decorum" is given by John Dryden. The development of art, culture, modernism, new invention, new ideas, and many more things.

2. Neoclassicism vs. Romanticism: A Comparative Analysis :-

The Neoclassical age is known as the age of new classicism and new innovation of such things. The Romantic Age is the age of "Lyrical Ballads", romantic values, nature, love and creativity in such things. In Neoclassical Age we can identify that the development of coffee house, freedom of conversation, freedom of instructions, etc. This romantic age known as the nature's age, age of romantic poetry, and also age of Lyrical Ballads. This Neoclassical Age gave a way to importance to instructions and delight ness. This Romantic Age is the age of revolution of new ideas, new thoughts, imagination, new innovations, etc. The Neoclassical Age called the revival of classical values. The Neoclassical age must be focused on the education and learning perspective. In the Neoclassical age we can clearly specify the huge development of prose & periodic essays. The Neoclassical Age is the 'mirror of reality'. The Neoclassical Age is the dealing with classical values, delight ness, nature, freedom, reality, instruction, gave a lot of importance to concept and many more. The Romantic Age is the age of William Wordsworth and S.T. Coleridge. The Neoclassical Age is the age of queen Anne.

3. Neoclassical Ethics and Morality in Literature :-

Neoclassical writers used stories, poems, and plays to teach morals. Characters often faced moral dilemmas or learned important lessons by the end of the tale. Virtues like honesty, integrity, humility, and hard work were emphasized. Writers praised characters who displayed these qualities, intending to inspire readers to emulate them. Neoclassical literature critiqued vices such as greed, hypocrisy, and corruption in society. Satirical works exposed these negative traits, aiming to encourage better behaviour. Authors sought to create purposeful literature, intending not just to entertain but also to educate and improve society's moral fabric. Literature mirrored the ethical values and societal norms of the time, promoting the belief that literature should contribute positively to moral development. It is the known as the reflection of the ethical values.

4. Neoclassical Women writers and Their Contributions :-

We can clearly identify the changes in themes, structure, moral instructions, moral values, writing styles, use new thoughts and ideas, new cultural identities and many more things. Women writers often adopted the Neoclassical style, focusing on reason, order, and moral teachings in their works. They explored themes like morality, virtue, and social issues within the constraints of societal expectations. Like their male counterparts, female writers used literature to impart moral lessons. They crafted stories and poems that highlighted virtues and ethical dilemmas, aiming to educate and guide readers towards better conduct.

Some women writers subtly challenged traditional gender roles through their writing. Women faced the very difficult time to survive in a writing career. Women faced many challenges during that time. We can see that the gender dynamic in this era. A few notable women writers, such as Aphra Behn and Mary Wortley Montagu, broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women writers. Their contributions helped shape Neoclassical literature and opened doors for women's voices in literature. Aphra Behn also considered as a strength of women writers and she became a great inspiration for all. Give the equality, power, place to women to became their own place in the literature. Women's contributions are the most remarkable success for literature.

5. Neoclassicism in Prose Fiction :-

Neoclassical prose fiction emphasized rationality, moral teachings, and a realistic portrayal of life. It aimed to instruct and guide readers towards ethical behavior and virtue through straightforward and structured storytelling. Neoclassical fiction favored rational storytelling, avoiding fantastical elements. Writers aimed for realistic plots and characters that mirrored everyday life, highlighting virtues and moral lessons. The moral lessons of poems, works, realistic elements, classic tradition, fashion, etc. All that very much matter to teaching a good sign of prose fiction during that time. Matthew Arnold was a very prominent figure of this prose fiction in this Neo-Classical period. One of the great example of Matthew Arnold's prose fiction like...

Neoclassical fiction valued clarity and precision in writing. Authors used straightforward language, avoiding ornate prose, and focused on organized plots with logical sequences of events. Some writers used fiction to critique social issues and flaws in society. They addressed societal injustices, hypocrisies, or inequalities through their storytelling, intending to provoke reflection and change. Neoclassical fiction often had a didactic purpose, intending not only to entertain but also to educate and improve reader's moral sensibilities. Through the prose fiction drives the moral lessons and life lesson also. In prose fiction topic is play the central role. 

6. Neoclassical Poetry and influence of Nature :-

The Neo-Classical poetry made with a multiple words with lot of meanings. In this type of poetry verbs and nouns are the separate. Neoclassical poets saw nature as orderly and structured, reflecting the era's emphasis on reason and logic. Nature was depicted as a well-organized and balanced system, highlighting its predictable and rational aspects. Use of nature in poetry as a lesson. Nature was used symbolically to teach moral lessons. Poets often used natural elements to convey moral virtues or to illustrate moral dilemmas faced by characters, aligning with the didactic nature of Neoclassical literature. In Neoclassical poetry, nature often served as a backdrop rather than the central theme. It was used to enhance the setting of a scene or to create an atmosphere but was not the primary focus of the poem.

7. Neoclassicism and National Identity :-

Neoclassical writers highlighted the importance of preserving their nation's cultural traditions, history, and values. They believed literature should reflect and uphold these cultural elements. Neoclassicism is the promotion of nation and pride also. Works celebrates the great achievements, good thoughts and good identity of nation. Neoclassical literature drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Writers saw connections between their nation's values and the classical ideals, believing they could strengthen national identity by embracing these classical roots. 

8. Satire and Moral Instruction :-

During this age satire was the central role. In Alexander Pope's "The Rape of The Lock" Pope used the lot of satiric style of writing and became a most popular work and satire. Neo-Classical period became a more special for works in a satiric style and used of idea in creative manner. Writers used satire to humorously mock or criticize social, political, or moral issues in society. They highlighted faults or hypocrisies to provoke change or reflection. Satirical works were not just enjoyment but they often conveyed moral messages. Writers used humor and irony to cleverly impart moral teachings, aiming to educate and guide readers towards virtuous behaviour. While satirical works aimed to entertain, they also had a purpose to make readers think about societal flaws and consider better ethical choices.

9. Critique of Neoclassicism: Reaction and Opposition :-

The Romantic movement arose as a reaction to Neoclassicism's emphasis on reason and order. Romantics favored emotions, intuition, and nature's beauty over Neoclassical restraint, seeking freedom of expression. Critics argued that Neoclassicism lacked emotional depth and focused too much on reason, neglecting the richness of human emotions and experiences. Opponents of Neoclassicism desired originality and innovation in literature and art, moving away from imitating classical forms and seeking new modes of expression. Neoclassicism emerged from a desire for greater emotional depth, artistic freedom, originality, and a more authentic portrayal of human experiences and emotions.

10. Representation of Rationalism and Reason :-

Neoclassical writers believed in using logic and reason to shape their works. They preferred clear and logical storytelling, avoiding overly emotional or fantastical elements. Neoclassical literature followed a structured approach, favoring well-organized plots and straightforward language. Authors aimed for clarity and precision in their writing. Writers used rationalism to teach moral lessons. They presented stories or characters facing moral dilemmas, showcasing rational decision-making to convey ethical messages. Neoclassical literature mirrored the values of the Enlightenment period, emphasizing the power of human reason, progress, and the importance of education and social reform. Neoclassical writers looked back to ancient Greek and Roman literature for inspiration. They imitated classical styles and forms, believing these to be models of rational and orderly composition.

➣ Conclusion :-

Neoclassical literature deals with order, reason, and moral teachings. It focused on logic, structured writing, and celebrating virtues while drawing inspiration from ancient classics. Despite criticism, it left a legacy of rational storytelling and moral guidance, reflecting an era of Enlightenment values and a quest for clarity and moral lessons in literature. Prose fiction, age of enlightenment, the importance role of women, freedom of expression all are the very significant in this Neo-Classical Period. 

➣ References :-

★ Long, William J. English Literature, Its History and Its Significance for the Life of the English-Speaking World. 86A College Street (Y.M.C.A. Building) Kolkata - 700073, 2009. ISBN : 81-89293-54-0

★ Szwec, Jonathan J. “Satire in 18th Century British Society: Alexander Pope’s ‘The Rape of the Lock’ and Jonathan Swift’s ‘A Modest Proposal.’” Inquiries Journal, 1 June 2011, http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1688/satire-in-18th-century-british-society-alexander-popes-the-rape-of-the-lock-and-jonathan-swifts-a-modest-proposal

★ Mohammed, Dr. Sadek R. Causes of the Rise of Neo-Classical Criticism, 4 July 2021, https://uomustansiriyah.edu.iq/media/lectures/8/8_2021_07_04!01_46_50_AM.pdf

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