Classicism | Literary Movement | HSA English
Summary
TLDRThis video introduces the concept of classicism in literature, highlighting its origins in ancient Greece and Rome and its emphasis on formal discipline, rationality, and unity. It explores classical authors like Aeschylus, Euripides, Homer, and their influence on later works. The video also covers periods of classical revival and the importance of classicism in historical literary periods, including the Enlightenment and the 20th century, mentioning notable works and authors like Virgil's 'Aeneid', Racine's 'Andromache', and T.S. Eliot's 'Murder in the Cathedral'.
Takeaways
- 🏛️ Classism in literature refers to the styles, rules, themes, and sensibilities of classical authors from ancient Greece and Rome.
- 📜 Classical authors are known for their formal discipline, impersonality, objectivity, rationality, and avoidance of ambiguity and excess emotion.
- 🎨 Classical works emphasize wholeness and unity, with coherence and a lack of irrelevant elements or open-ended conclusions.
- 🏛️ The term 'classicism' can also denote the status of a work that has achieved general agreement on its artistic merit.
- 📚 Classical periods include the Golden Age of Greece, the Age of Cicero and Augustus in Rome, and the Enlightenment in France, England, and Germany.
- 🌿 Common themes in classical works involve a historical interest, adherence to rules and orders, and a preference for reason over passion.
- 📜 Literary styles in classical works often include pastorals, tragedies, and epics.
- 📚 The origins of classicism are traced back to ancient Greek literature, with significant figures like Aeschylus, Euripides, Homer, Aristotle, and Sophocles.
- 🏛️ Classical revivals have occurred in Rome, France, Germany, and England, with scholars of Alexandria defining the classic status of Greek literature.
- 🎭 French classicism, influenced by the Enlightenment, emphasized reason and intellect, and was known for drama and satire, as seen in works like Voltaire's 'Candide'.
- 📚 English classicism, particularly during the Renaissance and Restoration, was influenced by Greek and Roman works and included writers like Dryden, Swift, Pope, and Johnson.
Q & A
What does the term 'classicism' refer to in the context of literature?
-Classicism refers to the styles, rules, modes, conventions, themes, and sensibilities of classical authors and their influence on later authors. It upholds virtues such as formal discipline, impersonality, objectivity, rationality, and shunning of the ambiguous, imaginative, eccentric, impulsive, emotional, and self-indulgent.
Who are considered classical authors in the context of literature?
-Classical authors are writers of ancient Greece and Rome who achieved excellence and established enduring models in all major literary genres.
What are the key characteristics of classicism in literature?
-Classicism in literature emphasizes formal discipline, impersonality, objectivity, rationality, and coherence in a work of art, avoiding irrelevant elements or open-ended conclusions.
What are the common themes found in classical works?
-Common themes in classical works include a general interest in history, adherence to rules and orders, and a preference for reason over passion.
Which literary styles are dominant in classical works?
-The dominant literary styles in classical works are pastorals, tragedies, and epics.
What historical periods are generally associated with classicism?
-Classicism is associated with several major periods in history, including the Golden Age of Greece, the Age of Cicero and Augustus in Rome, and the Enlightenment periods of France, England, and Germany.
Who were some of the significant literary figures of the classical period in Rome?
-Significant literary figures of the classical period in Rome include Virgil, Cicero, and Seneca.
How did the French classicists of the 17th and 18th centuries differ from their ancient Greek and Roman counterparts?
-French classicists emphasized reason and intellect, adopted classical themes and motives, and were also noted for their use of satire, unlike their ancient Greek and Roman counterparts who primarily focused on formal discipline and rationality.
What is the significance of Aristotle's 'Poetics' in the context of classicism?
-Aristotle's 'Poetics' provided a theoretical framework for classicism, influencing many writers and dramatists with its theories of imitation, tragedy, and epic.
How did the concept of classicism evolve during the 20th century?
-In the 20th century, classicism was seen in the literary works and critical theory of writers like T.S. Eliot, who tried to resurrect classical elements in modern literature, and in the use of mythology in various works, such as James Joyce's 'Ulysses' and W.B. Yeats' poems.
What are some famous quotes by authors on the definition of a classic?
-Famous quotes include T.S. Eliot's view that a classic can occur only when a civilization and its literature are mature, Matthew Arnold's definition of a classic as belonging to the class of the very best, and Frank Kermode's discussion on the works that earn a place in the canon of classic literature.
Outlines
🎭 Introduction to Literary Classicism
The video introduces the concept of classicism in literature, emphasizing its roots in ancient Greek and Roman authors. It discusses the characteristics of classicism such as formal discipline, impersonality, objectivity, rationality, and coherence in works of art. The video also covers the historical periods associated with classicism, including the Golden Age of Greece, the Roman era of Cicero and Augustus, and the Enlightenment in France, England, and Germany. Classical themes like history, order, and reason over passion are highlighted. The literary styles of pastorals, tragedies, and epics are mentioned, along with notable classical authors like Aeschylus, Euripides, Homer, Aristotle, and Sophocles. The influence of classical Greek literature on Roman writings and the role of scholars of Alexandria in defining classical literature are also discussed.
🖋️ Classical Influence in French and English Literature
This paragraph delves into the resurgence of classical values in French literature during the 17th and 18th centuries, influenced by the works of Voltaire and Descartes. It mentions Pierre Corneille as the creator of French classical tragedy and Jean Racine as a key practitioner. The paragraph also discusses the influence of classical themes on English literature from the Renaissance period, with writers like Sidney and Jonson adapting classical works. The Neoclassical period in English literature is highlighted, with Dryden, Swift, Pope, Addison, and Dr. Johnson being noted as significant figures. The 20th-century revival of classical themes, particularly in French drama, and the works of T.S. Eliot, who attempted to revive classical comic drama and tragic elements, are also covered.
📜 Classical Elements in German Literature and Authorial Quotes
The final paragraph explores the impact of classicism on German literature, mentioning writers like Winckelmann, Lessing, Goethe, and Schiller. It discusses Goethe's 'Iphigenie auf Tauris' as an example of a secular tragedy that meets Aristotelian standards. The paragraph also includes famous quotes from authors on the definition of a classic, such as T.S. Eliot, who argued that a classic emerges when a civilization and its literature are mature, and Matthew Arnold, who believed that classics belong to the very best. Frank Kermode's work is also mentioned, which discusses the criteria for a work to be considered a classic and its place in the literary canon.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Classicism
💡Greek Literature
💡Rationality
💡Neoclassicism
💡Tragedy
💡Imitation
💡Aristotle’s Poetics
💡French Classicism
💡Satire
💡Mythology
Highlights
Classicism refers to the styles, rules, modes, conventions, themes, and sensibilities of classical authors.
Classical authors are ancient Greek and Roman writers known for their excellence and enduring influence.
Classicism values formal discipline, impersonality, objectivity, rationality, and avoids ambiguity and excess emotion.
Works of art in classicism are coherent and free from irrelevant elements or open-ended conclusions.
Classicism is associated with historical periods like the Golden Age of Greece and the Enlightenment in Europe.
Common themes in classical works include an interest in history, adherence to rules, and a preference for reason over passion.
Pastorals, tragedies, and epics are dominant literary styles in classical works.
The movement's origins trace back to ancient Greece, with writers like Aeschylus, Euripides, Homer, Aristotle, and Sophocles.
Classical revivals occurred in Rome, France, Germany, and England, influenced by Greek literature.
Scholars of Alexandria defined the classic status of Greek literature with formal rules and imitation.
Roman literature, including works of Virgil and Cicero, was heavily influenced by Greek models.
In France, classicism was revived in the 1600s and 1700s, emphasizing reason and intellect.
French classicism is known for its use of satire, as seen in Voltaire's Candide.
Jean Racine is considered the most accomplished practitioner of French classicism, modeling his works after Greek and Latin classics.
Classicism in England was influenced by Greek and Roman works, adapted by writers during the Renaissance.
Neoclassical writers in England, like Dryden, Swift, Pope, and Addison, followed classical rules.
T.S. Eliot's works in the 20th century, such as 'Murder in the Cathedral,' integrated classical tragic elements.
Eugene O'Neill's 'Morning Becomes Electra' is a modern adaptation of a Greek tragedy by Aeschylus.
In Germany, classicism was prominent in the 18th century, with writers like Goethe and Schiller.
Famous quotes by authors like T.S. Eliot and Matthew Arnold discuss the nature and significance of classics.
Transcripts
hello and welcome to ace the english hub
today we are starting a new set of
videos
on literary movies and we begin with
classes the term classism
in general refers to the styles
rules modes conventions
themes and sensibilities of the
classical
authors and their influence on later
authors
now who are these classical authors
classical writers are writers of ancient
greece and rome who were believed
to have achieved excellence and
established
enduring models in all major literary
genres
though there are no clear-cut
definitions of the term
we can say that classicism upheld the
virtues of formal discipline
impersonality objectivity rationality
and the shunning of the ambiguous
imaginative
eccentric impulsive emotional
and self-indulgent classicism
placed importance on wholeness or unity
of a work
the work of art has coherence and is
without
irrelevant elements or open-ended
conclusions
a critic who places importance to
classicism
is likely to be a conserver of the
canons of
art the word classicism may convey
two ideas for us we identify
it as the literature of both greece and
rome
but nowadays the word is also attributed
to signify the status of a work
upon which there is a general agreement
classicism is generally associated with
several
major periods in history including
the golden age of greece the age of
cicero
and augustus in rome and the
enlightenment periods
of france england and germany
the common themes we find in works of
classical importance
are a general interest in history
adherence to rules
and orders and a preference of reason
over passion the literary styles
dominant in classical works
are pastorals tragedies and
epics the origins of the movement are
traceable
to ancient greece the ancient greek
literature
includes writers like aeschylus
euripides homer
aristotle and sophocles
throughout our history we can see
several periods of
distinct classical revival in the
histories of rome
france germany and england it is the
scholars of
alexandria who invented the classic
status
of ancient greek literature they
defined earlier greek literature in a
set of formal rules
tried to use them as the basis of
their own work and reinforced the
classic status of greek literature
by imitating it historians divide
the classical movement in rome into two
periods
the age of cesaro from 80 to 43 bc
and the age of augustus from 37 bc to
1480.
greek literature was the model for roman
writings in
prose poetry as well as drama
and the works themselves were often
composed in both greek
and latin virgin and cesaro
are identified as the significant
literary figures of the pyramids
virgil's enid is a representative work
of classicism
cesaro was a prolific author of speeches
philosophical treatises and rhetorical
treatises
and was influenced by the greek
philosophical schools
another important roman classical writer
is
seneca seneca imitated
greek tragedians his plays were chiefly
reworkings of euripides dramas
and also of works of aeschylus in
sophocles
his many famous works include brutus
cattle the elder
on old age coming to france
in the 1600s and 1700s france
witnessed a resurrection of classical
values and style
mainly as a result of granay science
the french classicist emphasized on
reason
and intellect classical themes and
motives were adopted
in addition to drama the french were
also noted for their use of satire
balte's candide is considered one of the
best examples of satire
french intellectual rene descartes
emphasized the importance of knowledge
based on hypothesis or theory rather
than
experiment or experience
pierre cornell is considered the creator
of french
classical tragedy take a look at his
chief works
jean racine is considered the most
accomplished practitioner of french
classicism
rassin consciously modeled his works
after the greek and latin classics of
the ancient world
particularly the works of the classic
greek tragedians aeschylus
suffocates and eurypidus his play
andromach
draws on classical characters and themes
the drama of rasin and others strongly
influenced the english neoclassical
period
gallagher's poetica greatly influenced
french classicism
it is built on aristotle's theory of
literature
one of the most influential works in
france during the spirit
was bolo's art poetic modeled on
horace's as
poetica it set out rules for the
composition of poetry in the classical
tradition
there was a revival of interest in
classical themes in drama
fiction and verse in the 20th century
especially in french drama
and the place of sartre cocktail jerod
and anuj coming to england
looking right from the renaissance
spirit we have writers who were exposed
to the classical works of greece
and rome and adapted them to english
literature
horus's remarks on decorum
appropriateness of language and style
application of action to character and
his observations on the need for
excellence in
craftsmanship were analyzed by
commentators in the 16th century
the most popular example would be
sydney's an apology for poetry
aristotle's theories of imitation and
his views of
tragedy and epic influenced many writers
during the 16th century
renaissance dramatists subscribed to
aristotle's theories of dramatic design
as explained in his poetics also
classicism dominated english literature
during the restoration age
and renamed the period as neoclassicism
major english writers who followed
classical roles were
dryden swift pope addison and dr
johnson we know them as the
neo-classical writers
we'll learn more about the neoclassical
movement in another video
classicism in the 20th century can be
seen in the literary works and critical
theory of tears eliot
in his 1932 work sweeney agonists
a poetic play elliot tried to resurrect
the comic drama of aristophanes his play
murder in the cathedral about the life
and death of
thomas beckett integrated classical
tragic
elements elliot's literary criticism
is extensive including the sacred wood
essays on poetry and criticism the use
of poetry and the use of criticism
and notes towards the definition of
culture
in various essays elliot praised the
poetic drama of the jacobian stage
and the works of dryden in his poetry
and drama he analyzed the difficulties
in trying to revive
poetic drama for the modern stage
classical elements can also be seen in
the use of mythology in various works
we already know elliot and his wasteland
other prominent works are james joyce's
ulysses w b h who constructed his own
systematic mythology based on historical
astrological and occult material
his myths consisted of the faces of the
moon
the great wheel and the gyres as seen in
his
works a vishy the second coming and
byzantine
eugene o'neill the nobel winning
american playwright
also used myths in his 1931 trilogy
morning becomes elektra which is based
on auresia of aeschylus
now germany in the 18th century
classical
culture became a subject of great
interest
german educational institutions offered
causes in classical literature
history and philosophy great
intellectuals emerged
inspired by classical ideas
there also was an interest in a german
past that was
also evident in the spirit during this
time period classical and romantic
literature flourished
side by side the influence of classicism
is seen in german writers like
winkelmann
lessing gutter schiller
and herderling goeth has forced
a significant work in the true mode of a
classic is called a secular tragedy
that meets aristoclient standards of
purging
fear and pity other classical elements
like
traditional mythology mysticism and
religious imagery
are found in the work let us also look
at a few
famous quotes by a few authors on what a
classic is
t is late in his essay what is a classic
published in 1945
argues that a classic can occur only
when a civilization is mature
when a language and the literature are
mature
and it must be the work of a mature mind
matthew arnold in the study of poetry
says that
the true and right meaning of the word
classic
classical is that the work in question
belongs to the class of the very
best frank kermode a british literary
critic
in his work the classic published in
1975
written as a response to elliot's what
is a classic
discusses the works of virgil spencer
marvel milton hawthorne emily bronte
bath and foco he answers questions of
reading
authorial intention and control and
earning a place in the canon of classic
literature all for today see you again
next week
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