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UPSC MainsENGLISH-LITERATURE-PAPER-I202310 Marks150 Words
Q2.

Discipline in Neo-Classical literature, social and literary both.

How to Approach

This question requires a nuanced understanding of the concept of 'discipline' as it manifested in both the social and literary spheres during the Neo-Classical period (roughly 1660-1798). The answer should define Neo-Classical discipline, explore its roots in the preceding Renaissance and Baroque periods, and demonstrate how it impacted literary forms, themes, and social expectations. Structure the answer by first defining Neo-Classical discipline, then detailing its social manifestations, followed by its literary expressions, and finally, a brief discussion of its limitations. Focus on key authors and literary movements.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The Neo-Classical period in English literature, spanning the Restoration, Augustan Age, and the Age of Johnson, was profoundly shaped by a desire for order, reason, and restraint – a concept broadly termed ‘discipline’. This discipline wasn’t merely aesthetic; it was a reflection of broader social anxieties following the political and religious upheavals of the 17th century. Emerging as a reaction against the perceived excesses of the Renaissance and the Baroque, Neo-Classicism sought to emulate the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing clarity, balance, and decorum in all aspects of life, from social conduct to artistic expression. This pursuit of discipline aimed to establish a stable and harmonious society and literature.

Social Discipline in the Neo-Classical Period

Neo-Classical society was highly stratified and governed by strict codes of conduct. The emphasis was on maintaining social order and upholding established hierarchies. Several factors contributed to this emphasis on discipline:

  • The Restoration (1660): The return of the monarchy under Charles II after the Puritan Commonwealth led to a desire for stability and a rejection of what was seen as the radicalism of the previous regime.
  • Rise of the Bourgeoisie: The growing middle class sought social respectability and adhered to strict moral codes.
  • Emphasis on Etiquette: Detailed manuals of etiquette, like those by John Trimmer (A Companion to the Arts, 1764), dictated proper behavior in all social situations, emphasizing politeness, restraint, and deference to social superiors.
  • Legal System: The legal system reinforced social discipline through harsh punishments for offenses against property and social order.

Literary Discipline in the Neo-Classical Period

The social emphasis on discipline directly translated into literary conventions. Neo-Classical literature prioritized form, reason, and decorum. Key characteristics included:

  • Adherence to Classical Forms: Genres like the epic (e.g., John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel, 1681), satire (e.g., Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock, 1712), and the ode were favored because they were considered to embody classical principles of order and balance.
  • Emphasis on Reason and Logic: Writers valued clarity of thought and expression, avoiding excessive emotion or imagination.
  • Use of Heroic Couplets: The heroic couplet (pairs of rhyming lines in iambic pentameter) became the dominant poetic form, providing a sense of closure and control.
  • Didactic Purpose: Literature was often intended to instruct and improve the reader, promoting moral and social values.
  • Rules of Poetic Composition: Critics like Nicholas Boileau-Despréaux (France) and John Dryden (England) codified rules for poetic composition, emphasizing the importance of following established conventions.

Examples of Discipline in Neo-Classical Literature

Several authors exemplify the Neo-Classical emphasis on discipline:

  • Alexander Pope: His poetry, such as An Essay on Criticism (1711), demonstrates a meticulous attention to form and a commitment to rational judgment.
  • Jonathan Swift: His satirical works, like Gulliver’s Travels (1726), use wit and irony to critique social and political follies, but always within a framework of rational argument.
  • Samuel Johnson: His Dictionary of the English Language (1755) was an attempt to standardize and regulate the English language, reflecting a desire for order and precision.

Limitations of Neo-Classical Discipline

While Neo-Classical discipline brought a degree of stability and refinement to English society and literature, it also had its limitations:

  • Suppression of Individuality: The emphasis on conformity could stifle creativity and originality.
  • Social Inequality: The strict social hierarchies reinforced existing inequalities.
  • Lack of Emotional Depth: The focus on reason could lead to a lack of emotional resonance in literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, discipline was a defining characteristic of the Neo-Classical period, permeating both social and literary life. Born from a desire for order following a period of upheaval, it manifested in strict social codes and a preference for classical forms, reason, and restraint in literature. While this emphasis on discipline fostered stability and refinement, it also came at the cost of individuality and emotional depth. The eventual Romantic reaction against Neo-Classicism demonstrates the inherent tensions within this pursuit of order and control, paving the way for a new era of artistic and social expression.

Answer Length

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Decorum
The principle of appropriateness in literary and artistic expression; fitting the style, tone, and content to the subject matter and audience.
Augustan Age
A term used to describe the period of English literature roughly corresponding to the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714), characterized by a conscious imitation of classical Latin literature and a focus on social satire and moral instruction.

Key Statistics

Literacy rates in England rose significantly during the 18th century, from approximately 35% in 1680 to around 50-60% by 1800.

Source: Stone, Lawrence. *The Crisis of the Aristocracy*. Oxford University Press, 1965.

The population of England and Wales nearly doubled during the 18th century, rising from approximately 5.5 million in 1700 to over 10 million by 1800.

Source: Wrigley, E.A. *Population and Society in England 1700-1800*. Cambridge University Press, 1988.

Examples

Coffee Houses

Coffee houses, popular in 18th-century England, served as centers for social and intellectual exchange, but were also governed by strict rules of conduct, reflecting the broader emphasis on discipline and decorum.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶How did the Enlightenment influence Neo-Classical discipline?

The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason and scientific inquiry, reinforced the Neo-Classical commitment to order, clarity, and rational thought. Both movements valued logic and empirical observation as means of understanding the world.

Topics Covered

LiteratureHistoryEnglish Literature, 18th Century, Social History
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