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Neoclassicism in the English Restoration. English 12 Advanced. Neoclassicism - Definition. The period is called neoclassical because its writers looked back to the ideals and art forms of classical times, emphasizing classical ideals of order and rational control .
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Neoclassicism in the English Restoration English 12 Advanced
Neoclassicism - Definition • The period is called neoclassical because its writers looked back to the ideals and art forms of classical times, emphasizing classical ideals of order and rational control. • Writers and artists modeled their works on classical masterpieces and heeded the "rules" thought to be laid down by classical critics.
Neoclassical Assumptions • Neoclassical thinkers could use the past as a guide for the present because they assumed that human nature was constant--essentially the same regardless of time and place • Neoclassicists more consciously emphasized common human characteristics over individual differences • Hence neoclassical artists & writers did not strive to be original so much as to express old truths in a newly effective way
Alexander Pope’s “Epigrams”A Study in Neoclassicism • Epigram: brief, witty poems or sayings that sum up a philosophical or moral point • Choose any FIVE epigrams from pages 588-589 • Rewrite the epigram • Paraphrase/summarize its meaning • Explain how it emphasizes the neoclassical ideals of order and rational control • Can work in a group and turn in ONE paper per group
“An Essay on Man” • “Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of mankind is man.” • Meaning? • Isthmus metaphor 1. Darkly wise – rudely great 2. Too much knowledge for the skeptic’s side – Too much weakness for the stoic’s pride
“An Essay on Man” • What is the attitude expressed toward human nature in the excerpt? • Cite examples from the text that support your answer • What is the theme or comment about life of the excerpt? Which phrases help contribute to this theme? • In “An Essay on Man,” Pope remarks that humans are “the glory, jest, and riddle of the world.” What historical examples portray humans as “the glory,” “jest,” or “riddle” of the world?