Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics and why it's called "classical":
Key Characteristics:
* Reason and Enlightenment: The period was heavily influenced by the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement emphasizing reason, logic, and scientific inquiry. This led to a focus on clarity, order, balance, and rationality in literary works.
* Neoclassicism: Authors drew inspiration from classical Greek and Roman literature, emulating their styles and themes. This resulted in a strong emphasis on form, structure, and decorum.
* Satire and Wit: Social commentary and satire were prevalent, often aimed at exposing hypocrisy and promoting moral reform. Witty language and clever observations were hallmarks of the period.
* Focus on Morality and Ethics: Writers explored themes of human nature, virtue, and the consequences of individual choices.
* Emphasis on the Individual: While focusing on societal concerns, the period also saw a rise in exploration of personal experiences and emotions.
Major Authors:
* Alexander Pope: Known for his satirical poetry, including "The Rape of the Lock" and "An Essay on Man."
* Jonathan Swift: Author of the satirical novel "Gulliver's Travels" and the scathing essay "A Modest Proposal."
* Daniel Defoe: Pioneer of the novel with his realistic and adventurous work "Robinson Crusoe."
* Samuel Richardson: Known for his epistolary novels, including "Pamela" and "Clarissa."
* Henry Fielding: Author of the satirical novel "Tom Jones" and a major figure in the development of the novel as a literary genre.
* Jane Austen: Though often considered part of the Romantic period, Austen's social satire and focus on morality align with the themes of the classical period.
Why "Classical"?
* Emphasis on Form and Structure: Authors placed great importance on adhering to classical literary models, emphasizing clear structure, balanced prose, and formal language.
* Universality of Themes: The exploration of reason, morality, and human nature are timeless themes that resonate even today.
* Influence on Later Literature: The classical period laid the groundwork for many of the literary conventions and genres that continued to develop in subsequent eras.
Important Note:
While 1700-1800 is generally accepted as the classical period, some scholars argue that it stretches further, perhaps beginning in the late 17th century or even earlier. Additionally, the Romantic period emerged in the late 18th century, leading to a gradual transition away from the classical style.