Neoclassicism in the English Restoration English 12 Advanced

Neoclassicism - Definition The period is called neoclassical because its writers looked back to the ideals and art forms of classical times, emphasizing classical ideals of order and rational control. Writers and artists modeled their works on classical masterpieces and heeded the "rules" thought to be laid down by classical critics.

Neoclassical Assumptions Neoclassical thinkers could use the past as a guide for the present because they assumed that human nature was constant--essentially the same regardless of time and place Neoclassicists more consciously emphasized common human characteristics over individual differences Hence neoclassical artists & writers did not strive to be original so much as to express old truths in a newly effective way

Alexander Pope’s “Epigrams” A Study in Neoclassicism Epigram: brief, witty poems or sayings that sum up a philosophical or moral point Choose any FIVE epigrams from pages – Rewrite the epigram – Paraphrase/summarize its meaning – Explain how it emphasizes the neoclassical ideals of order and rational control – Can work in a group and turn in ONE paper per group

“An Essay on Man” “Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of mankind is man.” – Meaning? Isthmus metaphor 1. Darkly wise – rudely great 2. Too much knowledge for the skeptic’s side – Too much weakness for the stoic’s pride

“An Essay on Man” 1.What is the attitude expressed toward human nature in the excerpt? – Cite examples from the text that support your answer 2.What is the theme or comment about life of the excerpt? Which phrases help contribute to this theme? 3.In “An Essay on Man,” Pope remarks that humans are “the glory, jest, and riddle of the world.” What historical examples portray humans as “the glory,” “jest,” or “riddle” of the world?