1. Neoclassicism
Samantha Alvarado, Danexsy Duran, Liz Reynoso, Jacklyne Vargas, and Naomi Wong
Period 6

2. What is it Anyways?
Neoclassicism is can be broken down into its roots.
It’s proponents wanted to mimic the writings of the Romans and Greeks, and so they coined the term:
“Neo” ( New) + “Classical” (Roman and Greek writings) = Neoclassicism
Everything was to have a “quiet grandeur” to it, and influences were to be drawn not only from the beauty of nature, but from what our minds formulate and construct.
Simplicity and clarity was essential.
This was reinforced by “majestic” and sweeping details and prose.

3. When Did it Occur? 18th century – early 19th century:
The movement itself began and concluded
However, Neoclassical literature:
Began being written in 1660
Ended in 1798

4. Characteristics of neoclassicism
Neoclassicism is defined by REASON.
Society is more important than the individual itself
Rules and Order
Tradition
Logic
Constraint
Conformity

5. Characteristics of neoclassicism Cont…
The focus of Neoclassicism was on government, ethics, and science.
It differs from the previous movement, the Renaissance, which focused on religion, imagination and emotions.
This movement revived the classical style with the integration of a new perspective: a cultivated and mechanical approach to every day's life.
People generally looked more closely at the part they
played in society.
In the book, the neoclassical movement is described by
the term: SENSIBILITY

6. Neoclassical Literature
One of the most influential Neoclassical writers was John Milton ( ), author of the epic poem, Paradise Lost.
To My Lord Chancell by John Drydon
Gulliver’s Travels by Isaac Bickerstaff

7. This movement is illustrated by Jacques-Louis David in his famous painting: Paris & Helen.

8. The restoration Age (1600-1700)
This is the first stage in the Neoclassic Era named this way because of the beheading of King Charles I which led to monarchical “restoration.”
Prominent Writers: Milton and Dryden
Styles of writing were clear, concise and precise sentences. It was formal and elegant.
Imagination incorporated within the writing was silenced (extinguished).
Comedy of manner is introduced in which plays focus in the manners and conventions of the high, sophisticated aristocratic society.

9. Restoration Era (cont.…)
Milton: English writer best known for his poem Paradise Lost in blank verse
Bunyan: Puritan writer and preacher
Author of the Pilgrim’s Progress
Dryden: English poet, literary critic and playwright. He dominated this era to such an influential extent that this era is interchangeably referred to as “The Age of Dryden”
A very important figure in the establishment of the Restoration Age
Satiric verse and religious poetry

10. Augustan Age ( )
Has been called the Augustan Age, the Neoclassical Age, and the Age of Reason.
The term 'the Augustan Age' comes from the imitation of the original Augustan writers.
The Augustan Age was the period after the Restoration era to the death of Alexander Pope ( ).
During this period the writers tried to write by the rules used by the Romans and Greeks.

11. This period was named after the writer/poet/critic Samuel Johnson.
The Age of Johnson
The age of Johnson, also known as the age of sensibility, refers to a period in English Literature between 1745 and
This period was named after the writer/poet/critic Samuel Johnson.
Johnson was incredibly influential and focused his writing on neoclassical aesthetics, the study of natural and artistic beauty.

12. The Age of Johnson
Writers of this time focused on intellect, reason, balance and order, and placed less importance on faith and superstitions.
Notable publications:
Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson (1755)
A Philosophical Inquiry into the Origins of Our Ideas on the Sublime and Beautiful by Edmund Burke (1757)
Tristram Shandy by Laurence Stern (1759)
The Man of Feeling by Henry Mackenzie’s (1771)

13. Quick Quiz!
The Neoclassical era was so named because: A) people loved classical music B) new social classes were created C) it was a time where writers imitated the classical structures of the Romans and the Greeks D) it was a time when people were very classy The Neoclassical age in literature covered the years: A) B) C) D) There are __ stages of Neoclassical literature. A) three B) four C) five D) two

14. References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Johnson (image only)
literature.htm
(image only)