Neoclassicism refers to a period in the late 17th and 18th centuries that drew inspiration from the intellectual and structural ideals of classical antiquity. It had three stages: the Restoration period, the Augustan age, and the age of Johnson. Famous poets of this era included John Milton, John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Samuel Johnson. Neoclassical poetry was characterized by rationalism, scholarly allusions, didacticism, realism, and adherence to classical rules rather than passion or emotion. It often employed heroic couplets and poetic diction.

2. What is Neoclassicism?
 What are the stages of Neoclassicism?
 Who the most famous poets in this
era?
 What are main characteristics of its
poetry?

3. Definition and etymology of the term
Neoclassicism:
The word “Neo” has been derived from the a
Greek word “Neos” which means young or new.
The word classic refers to the style and works of
Greek and Roman writers .

4. The Stages of Neoclassicism:
Restoration period 1660-1700:
The Augustan age 1700-1750:
The age of Johnson: lasted up to 1798

5. Who are the most famous writers of this
era?
John Milton
(1608-1674)
“Paradise lost”
The garden of Eden
William Hayley

6. John Dryden (1631-1700)
“Absalom and Chitophel
Duck of Monmouth
Alexandrine

7. Alexander Pope
(1686-1744)
“Homer” and “Odyssey”
“The Rape of Lock”

8. Samuel Johnson
(1709-1784)
“London”
“ “The Vanity of Human
wishes”
“The lives of Poets”
“Rasselas”

9. Characteristics of Neoclassical Poetry:
• Rationalism: reason, intellect, not imaginations.
• Scholarly Allusions: religion, biblical allusions.
• Didacticism: teach , morals , good behavior
• Realism: true picture, realities, not emotions.
• Adherence to Classical Rules: rule of Classicism,
employ, Pseudo classical poetry.

10. Characteristics of Neoclassical Poetry:
No Passionate Lyricism: lyrical quality, no passion,
feelings and emotions.
Objectivity: miseries, hardships and problems.
Poetic Diction: different language, decorum, specific style and
mannerism.
Heroic Couplet: real masters, thirty thousand heroic
couplets, Dryden and Pope.

11. The Sources:
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=neoclass
icim+poetry
www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-
between-neoclassicism-and-romanticism.htm
www.enotes.com/homework-help/wat-r-d-main-
features-poetry-neo-classical-age-120937
www.bachelorandmaster.com/englishperiods/peri
ods-of-english.html#.Vj2qw7Kqqko
Oxford Dictionary