Neoclassicism emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman literature. This movement influenced World Literature I by emphasizing rationality, order, and adherence to classical models in writing.

Key principles included reason, structure, and restraint. Neoclassical authors revived classical genres like heroic couplets and mock-epics, while addressing contemporary issues through social criticism, political commentary, and moral instruction.

Origins of neoclassicism

• Neoclassicism emerged as a literary movement in the 17th and 18th centuries, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity
• This period marked a return to the ideals and forms of ancient Greek and Roman literature, influencing various aspects of World Literature I

Ancient Greek influences

• Aristotelian principles of unity, clarity, and balance shaped neoclassical aesthetics
• Greek tragedies (Sophocles, Euripides) provided models for dramatic structure and themes
• Platonic philosophy influenced neoclassical ideas about truth, beauty, and morality
• Homer's epics (Iliad, Odyssey) inspired neoclassical poets in their use of heroic themes and epic form

Roman literary models

• Horace's "Ars Poetica" established guidelines for poetic composition adopted by neoclassical writers
• Virgil's "Aeneid" served as a template for epic poetry in the neoclassical period
• Cicero's oratory influenced neoclassical prose style and rhetorical techniques
• Ovid's mythological narratives provided source material for neoclassical adaptations and allusions

Renaissance rediscovery

• Humanist scholars during the Renaissance unearthed and translated classical texts
• Printing press technology facilitated wider distribution of classical works
• Neo-Latin poetry of the Renaissance paved the way for neoclassical imitation of ancient forms
• Italian Renaissance writers (Petrarch, Boccaccio) bridged classical and neoclassical traditions

Key neoclassical principles

• Neoclassicism emphasized rationality, order, and adherence to classical models in literature
• These principles reflected Enlightenment values and shaped the literary landscape of World Literature I

Reason and logic

• Prioritized rational thought and clear argumentation in literary works
• Emphasized the importance of intellectual rigor and logical coherence
• Rejected excessive emotionalism or mysticism in favor of rational explanations
• Sought to educate readers through logical persuasion and reasoned discourse

Order and structure

• Adhered to strict formal rules and conventions in poetry and prose
• Favored symmetry and balance in composition and plot structure
• Emphasized clarity and coherence in narrative and argumentation
• Utilized hierarchical organization of ideas and themes within literary works

Restraint and decorum

• Valued moderation and control in expression of emotions and ideas
• Emphasized propriety and appropriateness in language and subject matter
• Avoided excessive ornamentation or stylistic flourishes
• Strived for a dignified and elevated tone in literary works

Neoclassical genres

• Neoclassicism revived and adapted classical literary forms to suit contemporary tastes
• These genres became central to the development of World Literature I during this period

Heroic couplet

• Consisted of rhyming pairs of iambic pentameter lines
• Used extensively in narrative poetry, translations, and didactic verse
• Allowed for concise expression of complex ideas and witty observations
• Notable practitioners included Alexander Pope and John Dryden

Mock-epic

• Parodied classical epic conventions to satirize contemporary society
• Employed elevated language and grand themes for trivial subjects
• Often featured mock-heroic characters and exaggerated conflicts
• Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" exemplifies this genre

Satire vs comedy

• Satire aimed to expose and criticize societal flaws through wit and irony
• Comedy focused on humorous situations and character flaws for entertainment
• Satirical works often had a moral or didactic purpose (Swift's "Gulliver's Travels")
• Comedic plays adhered to neoclassical unities of time, place, and action (Molière's works)

Major neoclassical authors

• These writers significantly contributed to the development of neoclassical literature
• Their works exemplify the principles and genres central to World Literature I of this period

Alexander Pope

• Mastered the heroic couplet form in works like "An Essay on Criticism"
• Produced influential translations of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey"
• Wrote satirical masterpieces (The Rape of the Lock, The Dunciad)
• Explored philosophical themes in "An Essay on Man"

Jonathan Swift

• Wrote biting political and social satires (Gulliver's Travels, A Modest Proposal)
• Employed irony and allegory to critique contemporary society and politics
• Contributed to the development of the novel form through his satirical works
• Mastered various prose styles, from formal essays to mock-scientific treatises

John Dryden

• Established himself as a leading literary critic and theorist of neoclassicism
• Wrote influential plays adhering to neoclassical principles (All for Love)
• Produced significant translations of classical works (Virgil's Aeneid)
• Composed political satires and panegyrics in verse (Absalom and Achitophel)

Themes in neoclassical literature

• Neoclassical writers addressed contemporary issues through the lens of classical ideals
• These themes reflected the social and intellectual concerns of World Literature I during this period

Social criticism

• Exposed societal flaws and hypocrisies through satire and irony
• Critiqued class distinctions and social hierarchies in works like Pope's "The Rape of the Lock"
• Addressed issues of gender roles and marriage (Molière's "The Misanthrope")
• Examined the corrupting influence of wealth and power on individuals and institutions

Political commentary

• Engaged with contemporary political debates and power struggles
• Used allegory and historical parallels to comment on current events
• Satirized political figures and parties (Swift's "Gulliver's Travels")
• Explored ideal forms of government and leadership (Voltaire's "Candide")

Moral instruction

• Aimed to educate readers on ethical principles and virtuous behavior
• Presented moral dilemmas and their consequences in narrative form
• Used fables and allegories to convey moral lessons (La Fontaine's Fables)
• Explored philosophical questions about human nature and society (Pope's "An Essay on Man")

Stylistic features

• Neoclassical literature employed distinctive stylistic elements
• These features characterized the formal and aesthetic qualities of World Literature I in this period

Formal language

• Utilized elevated diction and sophisticated vocabulary
• Adhered to strict grammatical rules and syntactical structures
• Favored balanced and symmetrical sentence constructions
• Employed rhetorical devices (antithesis, parallelism) for emphasis and clarity

Wit and irony

• Cultivated clever wordplay and double meanings
• Used irony to expose contradictions and absurdities in society
• Developed epigrammatic style for concise expression of ideas
• Employed understatement and litotes for subtle critique

Classical allusions

• Incorporated references to Greek and Roman mythology and literature
• Used classical figures and stories as metaphors for contemporary situations
• Demonstrated erudition and cultural knowledge through allusions
• Reinforced connections between classical and contemporary themes

Neoclassicism across Europe

• The neoclassical movement manifested differently in various European literary traditions
• These national variations contributed to the diversity of World Literature I during this period

French neoclassicism

• Developed strict rules for dramatic composition (unities of time, place, and action)
• Produced influential tragedies and comedies (Racine, Corneille, Molière)
• Emphasized clarity, elegance, and precision in language (Boileau's "L'Art poétique")
• Established the French Academy to regulate and standardize the French language

English Augustan age

• Coincided with political stability and cultural flourishing under Queen Anne
• Produced major satirical and didactic works (Pope, Swift, Addison)
• Developed the periodical essay as a popular literary form (The Spectator)
• Emphasized wit, urbanity, and social commentary in literature

German classicism

• Emerged later than French and English neoclassicism (late 18th century)
• Sought to synthesize classical ideals with Enlightenment philosophy
• Produced significant dramatic works (Goethe's "Iphigenia in Tauris", Schiller's plays)
• Explored themes of individual freedom and moral responsibility

Neoclassical vs romantic ideals

• The transition from neoclassicism to romanticism marked a significant shift in World Literature I
• These contrasting ideals reflected changing cultural and philosophical perspectives

Reason vs emotion

• Neoclassicism valued rational thought and logical argumentation
• Romanticism emphasized emotional expression and intuitive understanding
• Neoclassical works aimed to instruct and persuade through reason
• Romantic literature sought to evoke feelings and stimulate imagination

Tradition vs innovation

• Neoclassicism adhered to established literary forms and conventions
• Romanticism encouraged experimentation and breaking with tradition
• Neoclassical authors imitated and adapted classical models
• Romantic writers sought originality and individual expression

Society vs individual

• Neoclassicism focused on social norms and collective values
• Romanticism celebrated individual experience and personal freedom
• Neoclassical literature often addressed broad social and political issues
• Romantic works explored subjective emotions and inner psychological states

Legacy of neoclassicism

• Neoclassicism left a lasting impact on the development of World Literature I
• Its influence extended beyond its historical period and shaped subsequent literary movements

Impact on later movements

• Provided a foundation for realism in its emphasis on observation and social critique
• Influenced modernist writers in their use of irony and formal experimentation
• Contributed to the development of literary criticism and theory
• Shaped educational curricula and literary canons well into the 20th century

Enduring literary techniques

• Refined techniques of satire and social commentary adopted by later writers
• Established standards for clarity and precision in literary language
• Developed forms (heroic couplet, mock-epic) that inspired later poetic innovations
• Popularized the use of classical allusions in modern literature

Modern interpretations

• Contemporary scholars reassess neoclassical works through postcolonial and feminist lenses
• Adaptations of neoclassical texts explore their relevance to modern social issues
• Digital humanities approaches provide new insights into neoclassical literary networks
• Interdisciplinary studies examine connections between neoclassical literature and other art forms