Neo Classical Age Quiz : The Neo-Classical Age in English literature started around 1660, when the Stuarts came back to power, and ended in 1798 with the publication of Wordsworth’s Lyrical Ballads, marking the beginning of the Romantic Age. This period saw writers taking inspiration from the ancient Greek and Roman classics. They believed that literature should teach, entertain, and follow strict rules of structure, balance, and order.
Neoclassicism was a reaction against the Renaissance belief that man is all-powerful. Instead, it saw humans as limited, flawed, and part of society, who should follow reason and discipline.
Three Major Periods of Neo-Classical Age
| Period | Years | Features & Writers |
|---|---|---|
| Restoration Age | 1660-1700 | Rise of heroic couplet, comedy of manners. Major writers: John Dryden, Milton, Bunyan. |
| Augustan Age | 1700-1750 | Mastery of satire, development of the novel. Major writers: Alexander Pope, Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift. |
| Age of Johnson | 1750-1798 | Sentimental poetry, beginnings of the Gothic novel. Major writers: Samuel Johnson, Thomas Gray, Horace Walpole. |
Key Characteristics of Neo Classical Age
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Influence of Greek & Roman classical works.
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Literature emphasised reason, logic, and decorum.
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Popular forms: heroic couplets, satire, essays, and comedies.
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Focus on society, human flaws, and the need for refinement.
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Simple but polished style of writing.
Important Authors & Works
John Dryden (1631-1700)
Known as England’s first great satirist. Famous for:
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Annus Mirabilis
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Mac Flecknoe (satire)
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Of Dramatick Poesie: An Essay
Daniel Defoe (1660-1731)
Pioneer of the English novel. Famous for:
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Robinson Crusoe
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Moll Flanders
Alexander Pope (1688-1744)
Master of heroic couplets and mock-epic. Famous for:
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The Rape of the Lock
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Essay on Criticism
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
Lexicographer and essayist. Famous for:
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A Dictionary of the English Language
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London (satirical poem)
Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)
Famous satirist. Famous for:
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Gulliver’s Travels
Conclusion
The Neo-Classical Age gave English literature structure, clarity, and discipline. It laid the foundation for novels, satire, and critical essays. Writers of this period believed that literature should reflect human nature and social values with reason and good taste.
Neo Classical Age Quiz
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the Neo-Classical Age in English Literature?
The Neo-Classical Age (1660-1798) is a period when writers followed the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman literature, focusing on reason, order, and social values.
Q2. What are the three periods of the Neo-Classical Age?
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Restoration Age (1660-1700)
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Augustan Age (1700-1750)
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Age of Johnson (1750-1798)
Q3. Who are the famous writers of the Neo-Classical Age?
John Dryden, Daniel Defoe, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Johnson.
Q4. What is The Rape of the Lock known for?
It is a mock-epic poem by Alexander Pope, satirising a trivial social incident using the grand style of classical epics.
Q5. Why is the Neo-Classical Age important for students?
It forms the foundation of English satire, essays, novel writing, and literary criticism, all of which are vital for competitive exams and literature studies.
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