IGNOU BEGC-108 SOLVED ASSIGNMENT 2023-24

iv) Poetry in 18th Century:

The 18th century was a period of significant innovation and diversity in English poetry. Several key characteristics marked the poetry of this era:

1. Neoclassical Influence: Neoclassicism, emphasizing order, balance, and imitation of classical models, influenced much of 18th-century poetry, resulting in formal structures and an emphasis on reason and decorum.
2. Augustan Poetry: Named after the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus, this style of poetry, championed by writers like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, often used satire to critique societal follies and explore moral and ethical concerns.
3. Nature and Emotion: Some poets, such as James Thomson and Thomas Gray, shifted focus to nature and human emotion, leading to the emergence of a more sentimental and introspective style.
4. Metaphysical Poetry: A continuation from the previous century, metaphysical elements persisted in the works of poets like Samuel Johnson, emphasizing complex conceits and intellectual exploration.
5. Elegiac Poetry: This form of poetry, often melancholic and reflective, gained popularity, exemplified by Thomas Gray’s “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.”
6. Romantic Precedents: Towards the end of the century, poets like William Blake foreshadowed the Romantic movement, embracing imagination, emotion, and individualism.

In conclusion, the historical circumstances of 17th and 18th century England, the Enlightenment, the major characteristics of the Restoration Period, and the poetry of the 18th century collectively shaped the cultural and intellectual landscape of the time, influencing literature, politics, and societal norms.