The revival of the classical spirit in Neoclassical poetry.

The Decline of the Classical Spirit Before Neoclassicism

The classical ideals of balance, harmony, and reason, dominant in ancient Greece and Rome, experienced a period of relative decline during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Renaissance, while rediscovering classical texts, prioritized humanism and individual expression, often diverging from strict classical forms. The Baroque period (early 17th century) further moved away from classical simplicity, embracing elaborate ornamentation, dramatic intensity, and emotional excess. Poets like John Donne, with their metaphysical conceits and complex imagery, represented a departure from the clarity and order valued by the ancients.

The Revival: Key Characteristics

The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, following the Puritan Interregnum, signaled a shift towards order and stability, reflected in the rise of Neoclassical poetry. This revival manifested in several key characteristics:

• Emphasis on Reason and Logic: Neoclassical poets prioritized reason and intellect over emotion and imagination. They believed poetry should instruct and delight, appealing to the rational faculties of the audience.
• Adherence to Classical Forms: The heroic couplet (rhyming pairs of iambic pentameter lines) became the dominant poetic form, mirroring the structure of classical epics. Other classical genres like satire, ode, and epistle were also widely employed.
• Imitation of Ancient Models: Poets like John Dryden explicitly advocated for ‘imitation’ – not slavish copying, but adapting the spirit and techniques of classical authors like Virgil, Horace, and Ovid.
• Focus on Universal Themes: Neoclassical poetry often explored universal themes of human nature, morality, and society, rather than intensely personal or subjective experiences.
• Wit and Satire: A sharp, intellectual wit and satirical commentary on contemporary society were hallmarks of Neoclassical verse.

Key Poets and Their Contributions

Several poets played pivotal roles in the revival of the classical spirit:

• John Dryden (1631-1700): Considered the father of English Neoclassicism, Dryden translated classical works (Virgil’s Aeneid), established the heroic couplet as the dominant form, and championed reason and order in his poetry.
• Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Pope perfected the heroic couplet, achieving remarkable precision and elegance. His works, such as The Rape of the Lock and An Essay on Criticism, exemplify Neoclassical wit, satire, and adherence to classical principles.
• Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Though primarily known as a critic and lexicographer, Johnson’s poetry, like London, reflects Neoclassical concerns with morality, social order, and the complexities of urban life.

Influence of Social and Political Context

The Neoclassical period coincided with the Age of Enlightenment, a period characterized by scientific revolution, rationalism, and a growing emphasis on social and political order. The rise of a sophisticated urban society and the development of coffee houses as centers of intellectual debate further fostered a climate conducive to the Neoclassical emphasis on reason, wit, and social commentary. The desire for stability after the tumultuous events of the English Civil War also contributed to the appeal of classical models, which represented a sense of enduring order and harmony.