301. DSC 201-2:3- Augustanism (1)

Augustanism in literature refers to the literary style and ideals of the early 18th century, primarily in England, which drew inspiration from the classical works of Roman authors during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC – AD 14). This period in Roman history was marked by political stability and a flourishing of arts and literature, particularly through poets like Virgil, Horace, and Ovid. The English writers of the Augustan Age sought to emulate the order, restraint, and classical forms of their Roman counterparts, hence the name "Augustan."

Key Characteristics

Augustan literature is characterized by its focus on order, decorum, balance, and wit. Writers of this period emphasized clarity, precision, and reason, reflecting the broader intellectual movement of the Enlightenment. They prized classical ideals of harmony and proportion, often expressing a sense of social and moral responsibility through their works. Satire was a dominant mode during this time, used to critique political, social, and moral issues.

Writers favored the heroic couplet, a form that consists of pairs of rhyming iambic pentameter lines. This formal structure lent itself to the emphasis on order and clarity, aligning with the period’s desire for restraint and refinement. Augustan writers also valued imitation of the classics, seeing classical antiquity as the model of excellence in literature and culture.

Major Writers and Works

One of the central figures of Augustanism in English literature was Alexander Pope, whose mastery of the heroic couplet and satirical wit made him one of the most influential poets of the era. His works like The Rape of the Lock (1712) and The Dunciad (1728) exemplify the Augustan focus on satire, formality, and moral instruction. The Rape of the Lock, a mock-epic, humorously critiques the trivialities of the English upper class, while The Dunciad satirizes intellectual and literary mediocrity.

Jonathan Swift, another leading writer of the Augustan Age, used biting satire to address social and political issues. His famous work Gulliver's Travels (1726) is a satirical exploration of human nature and society, critiquing both individual and institutional follies. Swift’s sharp, often dark humor was characteristic of the Augustan tradition.

Joseph Addison and Richard Steele were also influential figures, particularly through their contributions to periodicals like The Spectator and The Tatler. These essays aimed to instruct and entertain, promoting moral values, reason, and polite behavior, aligning with the Augustan belief in literature's role in improving society.

Conclusion

Augustanism in literature reflects a period of order, clarity, and classical influence, shaped by the intellectual climate of the Enlightenment. Through writers like Pope, Swift, Addison, and Steele, the Augustan Age produced works that combined wit, satire, and a commitment to moral and social improvement, leaving a lasting impact on English literature.


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