Here's a breakdown:
* Neoclassicism (1660-1800): This period emphasized reason, order, and balance, drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Roman literature and philosophy. Key features included:
* Emphasis on reason and logic: Reason was seen as the primary means of understanding the world.
* Order and balance: Writers aimed for clarity, precision, and a sense of harmony in their works.
* Imitation of classical models: Writers looked to ancient Greek and Roman texts as models for their own work.
* Formal language and structure: Poetry often followed strict forms like the heroic couplet, while prose was characterized by its clarity and precision.
* Focus on moral themes: Writers often explored themes of virtue, duty, and the nature of good and evil.
Important Writers of the Neoclassical Period:
* John Dryden: Poet, critic, and playwright (e.g., "Absalom and Achitophel")
* Alexander Pope: Poet known for his satirical poems and his translation of *The Iliad* and *The Odyssey* (e.g., "The Rape of the Lock")
* Jonathan Swift: Satirist and author of *Gulliver's Travels*
* Daniel Defoe: Novelist and journalist known for *Robinson Crusoe*
* Samuel Richardson: Novelist known for his epistolary novels, such as *Pamela*
* Henry Fielding: Novelist known for *Tom Jones*
* William Congreve: Playwright known for his witty comedies, such as *The Way of the World*
While Neoclassicism was the dominant movement, it's important to note that there were other literary trends emerging, such as the rise of sentimentalism and the development of the novel.