This blog is a thinking task activity given by vaidehi mam.its about the characteristics of the neoclassical age and elizabethan age. I am going to discuss about what makes this two ages different from each other.Before comparing the characteristics of both ages.first of all let me introduce with this ages in brief.
- Elizabethan Age
We call this era as an Elizabethan Period because Queen Elizabeth has ruled over the period(from 1558-1603).
Elizabethan Age is known as “The Age of Renaissance and The Age of Shakespeare”.
Historian mention this era as The Golden Period of English Literature because ‘peace’ and ‘prosperity’ were reflecting in England and ‘art grew’.
Elizabethan era witnessed the richest period in the history of England. The growth of feelings, patriotisms and nationalism brought in this age among English people with an unexampled new progresses.
The poets, dramatists and prose writers of this age started writing after taking inspiration from the country of Europe related to their traditional works and mostly from Italians.
- Neoclassical age
Renaissance focused on lifting the individual and making people larger than life and making them limitless in their potential,
while Neoclassicism placed individuals in the context of society. Neoclassicism was started in 1660 when Stuart returned to the throne and Enlightenment was in full swing.
The revolution of 1688, which banished the last of Stuart kings and called William of Orange to the throne marks the end of a long struggle for political freedom. Later newspapers were born and literature in its widest sense including the book, newspaper, magazine etc became chief instruments of a nation's progress. The first half of the 18th century is remarkable for the rapid social development in England. Later, schools were established, books and magazines multiplied. Newspaper dailies, periodicals, The Chronicle, Post, Times began. When the Neoclassical period started gaining attention and predominant style, artists like Alexander Pope, Daniel Defoe, Samuel Johnson, Jonathan Swift etc. flourished. The Neoclassical era can be broken down into three genera era.
- Let's see the difference between this both ages with the help of their characteristics.
Let's dive into more detail about the characteristics of the Elizabethan Age and the Neoclassical Age.
In terms of literature, the Elizabethan Age is best known for its playwrights, such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson. These writers produced some of the greatest works in the English language, including Shakespeare's plays like "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth." The plays of this era were characterized by their rich language, complex characters, and exploration of human emotions.
Additionally, the Elizabethan Age was a time of great exploration and discovery. English explorers like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh embarked on voyages to unknown lands, bringing back tales of adventure and expanding England's global influence.
On the other hand, the Neoclassical Age emerged in the 18th century as a reaction to the extravagance and excesses of the Baroque period. It was a time of intellectual and cultural movement that sought to revive the ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. Neoclassical writers and thinkers aimed to restore reason, order, and simplicity in art, literature, and society.
In literature, the Neoclassical Age emphasized clarity, logic, and moral teachings. Writers like Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Johnson used satire and wit to critique social and political issues of their time. They adhered to strict rules of form and structure, drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Roman literature.
Overall, while the Elizabethan Age celebrated creativity, exploration, and individual expression, the Neoclassical Age focused on reason, order, and adherence to classical ideals. Both periods made significant contributions to literature and shaped the cultural landscape of their respective times.
- George crabbe
George crabbe was a Neoclassical poet.he was born on 24th December 1754 in aldeburgh, suffolk, England.
His father name was George crabbe sr. He was a teacher in the school and after that he became tax collector for salt duties.he wanted to his son George crabbe to join this career.but when he realised about the george crabbe was interested in literature so he decided to let him pursue his dreams.
In the 1770 crabbe began his career as doctors apprentice. Crabbe decided to pursue his dreams and left to London where he met Edmund Burke and they became friends.and fron there he started his career in literature.
He was known for his realistic and detailed portrayals of rural life and the struggles of the working class. Crabbe's poetry often depicted the harsh realities of poverty, social injustice, and the human condition. His works, such as "The Village" and "The Parish Register," showcased his keen observation, vivid descriptions, and emotional depth. Crabbe's writing style was influential in the development of literary realism and had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of poets.
- "The village" by George crabbe
"The Village" is a narrative poem written by George Crabbe, published in 1783. The poem provides a detailed and realistic portrayal of rural life in the late 18th century. Crabbe, who had firsthand experience as a clergyman in rural communities, used his work to shed light on the social injustices, hardships, and changes brought about by industrialization during that period.
The poem is divided into twenty-four sections, each focusing on different aspects of village life and its inhabitants. Crabbe paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by the rural poor, highlighting their poverty, harsh living conditions, and limited opportunities. Through his detailed descriptions and engaging storytelling, he captures the harsh realities of a society grappling with economic shifts and social disparities.
Crabbe's portrayal of nature in "The Village" is both descriptive and symbolic. He showcases the beauty of the natural world while also drawing attention to its unforgiving and unpredictable aspects, paralleling the challenges faced by the villagers.
This poem is a classic work of literature that has had a lasting influence on both the Elizabethan and Neoclassical eras.
Through his poetic masterpiece, George Crabbe has created an enduring legacy which continues to influence literature today. His work is not only widely considered one of the most important works of its time, but it also provides readers with an invaluable window into two distinct time periods in history.
Overall, "The Village" serves as a critique of the societal and economic issues of its time, emphasizing the need for compassion, understanding, and change. The poem's themes and insights continue to resonate, making it a significant work in the realm of English literature.
- "Satire" famous literary genre of neoclassical age
During this period, satire was a powerful literary tool used to critique and satirize various aspects of society. Writers like Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Johnson were masters of this craft. They skillfully employed wit, irony, and exaggeration to expose the follies, vices, and hypocrisy of their time. Through their satirical works, they aimed to provoke thought, challenge societal norms, and bring about positive change. Their satires often took the form of poems, essays, and satirical novels, using clever wordplay and cleverly crafted characters to convey their messages. Their biting satire not only entertained readers but also served as a means of social commentary, highlighting the absurdities and shortcomings of the Neoclassical era.
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.jfif)
