Neoclassical Literature: Definition,Art, Characteristics & Movement
neoclassicism It was an artistic movement originating in the eighteenth century, inspired by the classical art of the Roman and Greek cultures. Literature, visual arts, and architecture emerged in the eighteenth century.
The origins of neoclassicism are attributed mainly to excavations carried out in the 18th century in Rome, Italy. After a series of archaeological procedures, experts discovered the ruins of the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
With the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, both Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried under ash. Interest in the classics began when the ancient streets, villas and houses of these lost cities were discovered.On the other hand, from the seventeenth century, various people with great economic opportunities began to travel throughout Europe. Travelers have been eagerly waiting to admire the city of Rome and its artistic wealth.
The new neoclassical painters were based on the French classicist Nicolas Poussin, as opposed to the extremely decorative and sensual techniques of Jean-Honore Fragonard. Neoclassicism was synonymous with "return to purity" and served as a critique of previous styles.
Age of Enlightenment
For this reason, neoclassicism is seen as an evolution of the Enlightenment. Philosophers believed that destiny could be controlled through learning and artistic expression. Neoclassicism is reminiscent of the Age of Reason bcause it reflects moderation and rational thinking ..
The Enlightenment was characterized by his opposition to the monarchical system and church ideas; Neoclassicism took a similar position: movement revolved around the person as the center of the world.
Art
The neoclassicists described themes associated with classical stories in their artistic expressions. In addition, shady colors with lustrous reflections were used, sometimes with the aim of conveying moral narratives and personal sacrifices.
The man turned out to be the protagonist of most works of fiction. His presentation was based on the ideal of beauty and perfection, as happened in classical art. Neoclassical architecture was simple, symmetrical, orderly, and less grandiose than Baroque or Rococo.
The style that prevails in neoclassicism is based on simplicity, aesthetics and symmetry. Neoclassicism uses reason, so real problems or situations that occurred at that time prevailed in most artistic expressions.
Neoclassicism began in part as a critique of asymmetry and extravagant Baroque and Rococo ornamentation. Influencing the Illustrated Age, neoclassicism was accused of symbolism (truth as a central axis and two figures such as reason and philosophy), and the neoclassical style was distinguished by the expression of the political, economic and social situation in Europe. In the case of literature, it had a strong didactic and moralizing orientation.
However, not everything was based on reason and logic. Its main themes were closely related to Greek, Roman mythology and the gods of ancient civilizations.
Literature
The rise of neoclassical literature occurred between 1660 and 1798. Authors of the neoclassical period tried to imitate the style of the ancient Romans and Greeks. The influence of the Enlightenment is reflected in logical, didactic and argumentative characteristics.
Neoclassical literature is characterized by the order, precision and structure of its texts. In contrast to the literature of the Renaissance, man was considered good and free from sins, while for the neoclassicists, man was a vicious and sinful creature. He strove to imitate the prose of the famous Greek writer Cicero.
The literary movement placed more emphasis on social needs than individual needs because they believed that a person could find true meaning in society. The use of literature as a social tool has been suggested.
In addition, he dropped the fantastic topic and leaned more towards the problems that generate new knowledge. For neoclassical authors, works were to have a didactic and moralizing intent. They believed that with the help of literary works, readers can be educated and feel part of a greater achievement.
Parody, fables, satire, rehearsal and melodrama were the most popular and popular genres in the neoclassical period.
Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope was an English writer and poet, characterized by being one of the great representatives of neoclassical literature in the eighteenth century. He is known for his satirical poetry as works titled Essay on Criticism , Violation of Blockage and Dunchiada.
Pope was not accepted in many institutions for his Catholicism during the peak of the Protestant Church, forced to study on his own and with private teachers. In 1709 he published his first work entitled Pastorals . Through this work, the influence of Horacio's classicism became known and he was recognized as one of the foremost satirical poets.
Essay on criticism
Sketch of Criticism This is one of the most important poems of Alexander Pope. It was first published anonymously on May 15, 1711. The poem was written in a single poetic form, new for the time, as an attempt to define the position of the critical poet.
This poem was a response to a debate about whether poetry should be natural or written according to rules inherited from the classical past. The work begins by discussing the rules that govern poetry in order to start the debate.