Neoclassicalism – The Augustans

1. Neoclassicalism – The Augustans Irene Connelly

2. Basics • c. 1690-1750 • earlier and later poets are sometimes classified as Augustans • Primarily English movement

3. Characteristics • Movement aimed to mimic classical (mostly Roman) style • Named after the Augustan period in Roman poetic history • Influenced by Virgil, Horace, Juvenal, etc. • Subject matter was often satirical and related to political issues (sort of like a poetry version of Jonathan Swift’s works)

4. Augustan poems are characterized by wit, urbanity, and wordplay • Prominent form – long poems called “mock epics,” which were satirical takes on classical styles • Applied aspects of classical poetry (allusions to the gods and other figures, long speeches, battles, and use of cantos) to trivial subjects • Example: “The Rape of the Lock,” which talks about a haircut

5. Alexander Pope • 1688-1744 • Published throughout his life; well-established leader of the movement • Formed the Scriblerus Club • Wrote satirical poems: “The Rape of the Lock,” “An Essay on Criticism” • Used the heroic couplet (mimicking Chaucer) • Also translated some classical works (Homer)

6. John Dryden • 1631-1700 • Poet, literary critic, playwright • Wrote for the educated common people, not just rich patrons (unusual) • First Augustan to use the heroic couplet • Poetry focused on facts and real events • “The Medall,” “The Hind and the Panther,” “Alexander’s Feast”

7. Samuel Johnson • 1631-1700 • Wrote in a variety of capacities on many subjects – poet, prose writer, critic, playwright • Believed that poetry should use contemporary language and style; poetry should be easy to read • Still imitated the classics himself, especially Juvenal • Posthumously diagnosed with Tourette’s