1. The English Neoclassical Movement 1660-1798

2. About the Era The Neoclassical (“new classicism”) era, a time in which writers modeled their works on those of ancient Greece and Rome, in English Literature is often divided into three periods: – The Restoration (1660-1700) – The Augustan Age (1700-1750) – Age of Johnson (1750-1784) Neoclassicists stressed – Balance, order, logic, sophisticated wit, and emotional restraint, focusing on society and the human intellect and avoiding personal feelings. – John Locke: a social contract exists between the government and the people. The government governs guaranteeing “natural rights” of life, liberty, and property

3. The Arts Standardization of the English Language Style/Genres: – Satire: uses irony and exaggeration to poke fun at human faults and foolishness in order to correct human behavior – Poetry – Essays – Letters, diaries, biographies – Novels

4. Events in British Literature 1711 Addison and Steele begin The Spectator 1719 Daniel Defoe’s narrative chronicle Robinson Crusoe published  first novel in English 1740 Samuel Richardson’s Pamela published  also considered the first novel in English 1768 Publication of Encyclopedia Britannica begins in Scotland

5. Evolution within the Era Historical Context: – 50% of men are functionally literate (a dramatic rise) – Fenced enclosures of land cause demise of traditional village life – Factories begin to spring up as industrial revolution begins – Impoverished masses begin to grow as farming life declines and factories build – Coffee houses—where educated men spend evening with literary and political associates

6. Events in Britain 1665 Great Plague of London kills thousands 1666 Five-day Great Fire of London 1685-1688 Reign of James II 1687 Sir Isaac Newton publishes laws of gravity 1689 Parliament passes English Bill of Rights 1707 England and Scotland united as Great Britain 1721 Robert Walpole, first political leader to be called prime minister, takes office

7. Events in Britain 1757-1947 British rule over India 1763 Britain defeats France in French and Indian War – acquires French Canada 1775 War with the colonies in North America begins. 1776 America B-Day 1783 American independence – Treaty of Paris 1784 Religious reformer John Wesley, founder of Methodism, officially splits with Church of England 1788 First British Settlement in Australia 1793 War with revolutionary France

8. WORLD EVENTS 1703 Peter the Great begins building city of St. Petersburg 1721 Edo (Tokyo) becomes world’s largest city 1756 Frederick the Great of Prussia starts French and Indian War fought in Europe, North America, and India 1789-1799 French Revolution 1791 Austrian composer genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart dies at age 35 1793 French King Louis XVI executed by guillotine 1795 Napoleon Bonaparte’s defense of National convention delegates from rebels makes him savior of French republic

9. Discussion questions Why do diaries seem easy to write? Who is the intended audience? What kind of information do they contain? What unique insights into a public event might be found in a diary but not in a more formal account of the event?

10. Intro to Samuel Pepys (pronounced peeps) 1633-1703 Man of remarkable learning whose career led him to the position of Secretary of the Admiralty (Navy) Knew most of the major political and social figures of his day. Best known for his famous diary – Covered 1660-1669 – Records minute details many aspects of life during that period Charles II’s coronation The Plague of 1665 The Great Fire of 1666 Also quarrels with his wife, what he wore, and introspective searching – Wrote in shorthand, so we read a transcription