The Augustan Age, also known as the Age of Pope, refers to a period in English literature spanning the early 18th century, named after the reign of Emperor Augustus in ancient Rome. This era is characterized by a resurgence of classical ideals, moral restraint, and social order, following the political and cultural turmoil of the preceding centuries.
1. Historical Context:
- The Augustan Age followed the Restoration period and the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which established parliamentary sovereignty and stability in England.
- The era saw the consolidation of power under the Hanoverian monarchy, with the reigns of Queen Anne (1702–1714) and King George I (1714–1727) marking a period of relative peace and prosperity.
2. Characteristics of the Augustan Age:
- The Augustan Age is characterized by a commitment to reason, order, and moderation, as writers sought to emulate the classical ideals of ancient Rome and Greece.
- Literature of the period often reflects a concern with moral rectitude, social decorum, and the cultivation of virtue, as writers grappled with questions of ethics and human nature.
- Neoclassical principles of clarity, symmetry, and restraint are evident in the poetry, prose, and drama of the era, as writers adhered to strict rules of composition and decorum.
3. Key Figures and Works:
- Alexander Pope is the central figure of the Augustan Age, renowned for his satirical verse and moral philosophy. His mock-epic poem "The Rape of the Lock" (1712) and his "Essay on Criticism" (1711) exemplify the wit, elegance, and moral seriousness of the period.
- Jonathan Swift, though not strictly an Augustan poet, is closely associated with the era for his satirical works, including "Gulliver's Travels" (1726) and "A Modest Proposal" (1729), which critique social, political, and moral corruption.
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4. Literary Legacy and Influence:
- The Augustan Age had a profound impact on subsequent literary movements, laying the foundation for the rise of the novel in the 18th century and the development of English literary criticism.
- The neoclassical aesthetic and emphasis on moral seriousness persisted well into the 18th century, influencing writers such as Samuel Johnson and the members of the 18th-century literary club, the "Augustans."
In summary, the Augustan Age represents a period of intellectual and literary flourishing in England, characterized by a revival of classical ideals, moral seriousness, and artistic refinement. The era produced some of the most enduring works of English literature, leaving a lasting legacy on subsequent generations of writers and thinkers.
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