The Age of Reason and Neo-Classicism, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, represents a significant period in European intellectual and cultural history marked by rationalism, empirical inquiry, and a revival of classical ideals.

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1. Intellectual Context:

   - The Age of Reason, also known as the Enlightenment, was characterized by a shift towards rationalism and skepticism, as thinkers sought to apply reason and scientific method to understand the world.

   - Neo-Classicism, inspired by the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasized order, symmetry, and restraint, drawing on classical models as exemplars of aesthetic perfection.


2. Literary Characteristics:

   - In literature, the Age of Reason and Neo-Classicism led to the development of neoclassical literature, characterized by clarity, reason, and adherence to classical forms and structures.

   - Neoclassical writers sought to emulate the style and themes of classical literature, favoring balance, harmony, and adherence to strict rules of composition.

   - Satire and social criticism were prominent features of neoclassical literature, with writers such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope using wit and irony to expose the follies and vices of society.

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3. Key Figures and Works:

   - Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" (1726) is a classic example of neoclassical literature, employing satire to critique human nature and society.

   - Alexander Pope, one of the most celebrated poets of the period, wrote influential works such as "The Rape of the Lock" (1712) and "An Essay on Criticism" (1711), which exemplify neoclassical principles of clarity, order, and restraint.

   - Samuel Johnson, a leading figure of the English Enlightenment, contributed to literary criticism with his "Dictionary of the English Language" (1755) and his essays in "The Rambler" (1750-1752) and "The Idler" (1758-1760), advocating for rationality and moral clarity in literature.


4. Legacy and Influence:

   - The Age of Reason and Neo-Classicism had a profound impact on subsequent literary movements, laying the foundation for the rise of Romanticism in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

   - While the Enlightenment emphasized reason and empirical inquiry, Romanticism reacted against the constraints of Neoclassicism, embracing emotion, individualism, and the sublime.


In summary, the Age of Reason and Neo-Classicism represents a period of intellectual and cultural flourishing characterized by rational inquiry, classical revivalism, and a commitment to clarity and order in literature. Despite criticism for its perceived rigidity and formalism, Neoclassical literature left a lasting legacy, shaping literary aesthetics and critical discourse for generations to come.