Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Augustan Age in English literature, named after the reign of Emperor Augustus in ancient Rome, spanned the early 18th century and was characterized by a striving for order, clarity, and reason. Simultaneously, a new social phenomenon, “Polite Society,” was taking shape in England, marked by refined manners, intellectual conversation, and a focus on social decorum. These two developments were inextricably linked; Augustan literature didn’t merely exist *alongside* Polite Society, it actively shaped and was shaped *by* it, reflecting its aspirations, anxieties, and contradictions. This essay will explore the nature of Augustan literature and its profound relationship with the values and practices of Polite Society.
Defining Augustan Literature and Polite Society
Augustan Literature, broadly, refers to the works produced during the reigns of Queen Anne, George I, and George II (1700-1744). It’s characterized by classicism – an imitation of classical Greek and Roman forms – a preference for reason and order over imagination and emotion, and a satirical bent. Key authors include Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Joseph Addison, and Richard Steele.
Polite Society, emerging in the early 18th century, was a new social order built around urban centers like London. It was defined by a set of artificial manners and codes of conduct, emphasizing wit, elegance, and restraint. It was largely an aristocratic and upper-middle-class phenomenon, with a strong emphasis on social climbing and maintaining appearances. Coffee houses and salons became central spaces for cultivating these polite interactions.
Characteristics of Polite Society and their Reflection in Literature
- Emphasis on Reason and Order: Polite Society valued rationality and decorum. This is mirrored in the Augustan preference for heroic couplets (Pope’s The Rape of the Lock), which imposed a strict formal structure on poetic expression.
- Social Wit and Conversation: The ability to engage in clever and sophisticated conversation was highly prized. Addison and Steele’s The Spectator (1711-1714) and The Tatler (1709-1711) were designed to provide models of polite conversation and social commentary.
- Concern with Manners and Appearance: Polite Society was obsessed with outward appearances and social etiquette. Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels (1726) satirizes this obsession, particularly in the Lilliputian court, where trivial matters of etiquette are taken to absurd extremes.
- Social Hierarchy and Ambition: The desire to climb the social ladder was a driving force. Pope’s The Rape of the Lock, while seemingly trivial, subtly explores the anxieties and ambitions of the upper class.
The Literature as a Mirror and a Critique
Augustan literature didn’t simply celebrate Polite Society; it also offered a critical perspective. While authors often adhered to the stylistic conventions of the age, they frequently used satire to expose the hypocrisy, vanity, and superficiality of the social world.
For example, Swift’s A Modest Proposal (1729) is a scathing indictment of the economic and social conditions in Ireland, using ironic exaggeration to highlight the callous indifference of the English ruling class. Similarly, Pope’s The Dunciad (1742) satirizes the literary world, exposing the mediocrity and pretension of many contemporary writers.
The Role of Periodicals
The rise of periodicals like The Spectator and The Tatler was crucial in shaping and disseminating the values of Polite Society. These publications offered essays on a wide range of topics – from morality and manners to literature and politics – and helped to create a shared cultural space for discussion and debate. They also provided a platform for authors to engage with contemporary social issues and to promote the ideals of reason and refinement.
| Author | Work | Reflection of/Critique of Polite Society |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Pope | The Rape of the Lock | Satirizes the triviality and social climbing of the upper class. |
| Jonathan Swift | Gulliver’s Travels | Critiques political corruption, human vanity, and the absurdity of social conventions. |
| Joseph Addison & Richard Steele | The Spectator | Promotes the ideals of reason, politeness, and good taste. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Augustan literature and Polite Society were deeply intertwined. The literature reflected the values, anxieties, and aspirations of this emerging social order, while also offering a critical perspective on its flaws and contradictions. Through satire, wit, and a commitment to reason and order, Augustan authors created a body of work that continues to resonate with readers today, providing valuable insights into the social and cultural landscape of 18th-century England. The legacy of this period lies in its enduring exploration of human nature and the complexities of social life.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.