THE ENLIGHTENMENT AND NEOCLASSICISM | BBMKU FYUGP ENGLISH MJ 6 | BRITISH LITERATURE : 18TH CENTURY

 

1. The Enlightenment and Neoclassicism

 

Introduction

The 18th century in England is often called the Age of Reason or the Age of Enlightenment. It was a time when writers, thinkers, and philosophers believed that human reason could bring progress, order, and happiness to society. The Enlightenment movement started in Europe (especially France and England) and influenced literature, philosophy, science, and politics. Neoclassicism was a child of the Age of Reason (the Enlightenment).

Example: Pope’s “Essay on Man” (1733) says —

“Know then thyself, presume not God to scan;
The proper study of mankind is man.”

 

The Enlightenment

 

Meaning of Enlightenment

The word “Enlightenment” comes from the idea of “bringing light” — light of knowledge, reason, and truth — to remove the darkness of ignorance, superstition, and blind faith.

So, Enlightenment means an age of awakening — a time when people started thinking for themselves instead of blindly following old traditions or religious authorities.

 

Characteristics of the Enlightenment

1.  Logic and Reason

·        The Enlightenment was also called the Age of Reason.

·        People began to trust logic, thinking, and observation instead of superstition.

·        They believed that everything could be explained by reason and scientific method.

·        Thinkers like John Locke and Isaac Newton taught people to use their mind and question everything.

 

2.   Against Blind Faith     

·        People started to question the authority of the Church and old customs.

·        They refused to accept anything without proof or evidence.

·        The Enlightenment encouraged freedom of thought and speech.

 

3.  Man and Humanity

·        The focus shifted from God to Man — his rights, emotions, and life on earth.

·        The idea of humanism became strong — that every human being has worth and dignity.

·        Philosophers talked about justice, equality, and liberty.
👉 These ideas later inspired the French and American Revolutions.

Rousseau said, “Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.”

 

4.  Progress through Education

·        Enlightenment thinkers believed that education and knowledge could make people better and society more advanced.

·        Books, newspapers, and schools became important tools for spreading knowledge.

·        Learning was seen as the path to progress and happiness.

 

Neoclassicism

 

Definition of Neoclassicism

The word “Neoclassicism” comes from two words:

• “Neo” = new
• “Classicism” = admiration of the classical art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome

So, Neoclassicism means “a new form of classicism.”
It was a literary and artistic movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that tried to bring back the order, balance, reason, and harmony of classical literature.

 

1.  Follow the Classics

·        Neoclassical writers admired Greek and Roman literature and tried to imitate their style and rules.

·        They believed that classical writers showed the perfect model of art.

·        So, they wrote in a formal and structured way, following classical forms like epic, satire, and tragedy.

 

2.  Order and Balance

·        Neoclassicism valued order, harmony, and balance in both life and writing.

·        Writers avoided confusion or strong emotions and preferred clarity and structure.

·        Their works had proper beginnings, middles, and ends — everything was neat and logical.

3.  Reason and Morality

·        Neoclassical writers believed that literature should teach moral lessons and promote reason and good behaviour.

·        They used satire to correct the vices and foolishness of society.

·        Literature was not just for enjoyment — it was for education and improvement.

 

4.  Moderate Emotion

·        Emotion was controlled and never shown wildly.

·        Writers believed that feelings must be guided by reason.

·        Their tone was calm, polished, and formal — not personal or sentimental.

 

Conclusion

The Enlightenment and Neoclassicism were two sides of the same coin.

·        The Enlightenment gave ideas of reason and progress.

·        Neoclassicism gave those ideas a beautiful form in literature and art.

Together, they marked a period when human mind and art worked together to build a rational, refined, and enlightened world.