Genre Studies Unit- II Classicism

Unit- II

Classicism

Alexander Pope says,

“Learn hence for ancient rules a just esteem;

To copy nature is to copy them” 

            These two lines convey the meaning of Classicism.

Introduction

            Classicism is literary movement which is in sharp contrast to Romanticism. This movement became popular in English literature during the 18^th century. The followers of classicism seek perfection and intellectual as well as aesthetic harmony in art and literature. Classicism in literature is the name given to the works which adopt or follow the principles or style of the ancient Greek and Roman literature.

            “Classicism” comes from the word “classical” and “class”. The word “Classic” means “ancient” or “great”. “Class” means “a group” which stands out from others. The term “Classical” means 2 different meanings- “ancient” and “outstanding”.

Origin of Classicism as a movement

            17^th century French writers were the pioneers who popularize this movement of classicism in literature. During the period of Renaissance, the translations of ancient Greek and Roman literature were easily available. Hence, the scholars and authors developed interest in reading the ancient Greek and Roman literature and they were influenced and inspired by their writings. The French dramatists like Moliere and Cornelle followed the Greek masters, such as Aeschylus and Sopocles, and sought to embody Aristotle’s three unities in their plays.

            The new trend further was found in the field of poetry and drama in English literature during the 18^th Century. It was known as Neo- Classicism. There were poets like Alexander Pope and the critics like Dr. Samuel Johnson who further supported in this movement of Neo-Classicism.

Features of Classicism

1.       Classical writers took inspiration from the ancient Greek and Roman thinkers and poets. They were the staunch followers of ancient art and literature.

2.      They believed in balancing intellectual and aesthetic pleasure in their words.

3.      They advocated for realism and opposed too much romanticism. There is less scope on realism.

4.      Classical literature appeals more to our wit and rather than emotions.

5.      Classical literature always follows the norms, rules and regulations as devised by the ancient critics like Plato, Aristotle, Longinus, Danteetc. Walsh commented, “The best of modern poets in all languages are those that have nearest copied the ancients.”

6.      They followed the three unities of time, place, and action in drama and poetry.

7.      Classicists consider literature a tool to teach and reform the society. They insist on teaching moral lessons to the readers.

8.     Neo-classicism of the 18^th century deals with the urban life and artificiality.  

Major Classical works

            Classicism is found in almost all form of English literature- drama, poetry, novel, etc. Though major classical works were written during the Augustan Age (1700-1740) and during the age of Dr. Johnson (1740- 1800), Classicism has its impact even during the modern age. Following are some famous classical works of English literature.

·         Alexander Pope’s “The Rape of the Lock”, Dunciad”

·         Samuel Richardson’s “Pamela”

·         Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe”

·         Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”

·         Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”

·         T.S.Eliot “Murder in the Cathedral”

Conclusion

            In nutshell, Classicism is a movement of English literature which began after Renaissance and reached its height during the 18^th Century. The French dramatists and English Authors are considered as the greatest exponents of Classicism.  

 

Classical period (5th- 4th century BC)

Athens

• Athens emerged as the most powerful of the Greek city- states

• It was ruled by the famous ruler Pericles

• Tremendous flowering of the arts and letters.

• Disciplines such as political thought, aesthetics, physics, ethics, linguistics, biology, logic and mathematics developed.

Classical Drama

Tragedy

• Emerged in Athens in the late 6th Century BC

• As a part of religious festival Dionysia in honour of Dionysus.

• Dionysus is the god of wine and ecstasy known as Bacchus among the Romans.

Comedy

• Developed later in association with the "satye play".

• Usually based on mythological subjects.

Greek Theatre

Koilon or Theatron: The seats for the audience were arranged like a horseshoe in rising tiers.

Orchestra: Circular area at ground level 

Thymele: An altar in the center of the orchestra to Dionysus on which sacrifices were made.

Scene or skene: The scene building on the side of the Orchestra that had a backdrop with doors for entrances and exits.

Proscenion or Proscenium: The level area in front of the skene for the action of the play.

Diazoma: The passages dividing the seating tiers.

Roman Classicism

Two stages

• Age of Cicero (80 to 43 BC)

• Age of Augustus( 37BC to AD 14)

In the classical period, Romans were profoundly influenced by Greek Philosophy, culture and literature.

Stoic Philosophy

• Stoicism reached Rome in the Hellenistic period 

• Duty, discipline, political involvement.

• Roman advocates: Virgil, Horace, Seneca

Epicureanism

• Pleasures of everyday life

• As in the expression "carpe diem"

• Roman Epicureanians: Lucretius, Catullus, Virgil, Horace.

Scepticism

• Loss of belief in higher values

• Beauty is fleeting

Roman Classicism influenced European Renaissance. Roman Empire continued to flourish after the Classical period ended.