A brief overview of the main ideas of Neoclassicism in Great Britain, 1660-1780.

1. Neoclassicism
Dr. GErald Lucas

2. Neoclassicism
Is dated from 1660-1780
Also called the “Augustan” period
Is a conservative movement
Believed that humans were fallen
Observed a disparity between the past & the present
Exulted the past
Saw the present as debased
Used satire and irony

3. Major Ideas
Humans are not inherently benevolent or rational
Restraint is important
True (moral) problems are insoluble
Distrust of innovation; reverence for tradition
Strong centralized authority is necessary
The universe is hierarchical
Through God’s mercy, individuals may be saved

4. Major Ideas (Cont.)
Humanity’s chief concern: moral improvement
Literature should be moral, not aesthetic
Science is unimportant
Science is deceptive
The physical universe is amoral
Reason should be distrusted

5. Poetry
“What oft was thought,
but ne’er so well
expressed.”
Not aiming for
originality
Traditional genres
Universal in appeal
Satire emphasized
Uses allusion

6. Poet
Should not express an individual personality
Rational person speaking to rational people
Expresses accepted values
Uses the language of civilized people
Knows the classics
Emphasizes clear communication

7. Allusion
Mythological and
religious
Provides a contrast
between past and
present
Enriches the meaning
and texture
Suggests a universality

8. Satire
Ironic literary creation
Details the defeat of decency & virtue
Laments the triumph of folly or vice
Relies heavily on parody, paradox, anti-climax
Infused with wit, high-spirit, and vigor
Implies that things will continue to get worse