CLASSICISM
Origin of the term:
The word "classicism" originates from the Latin word "classicus", which referred
to a class of citizens in ancient Rome who were considered to be of the highest
social rank. Over time, the term "classicus" came to mean "of the highest quality"
or "of the first class," and was used to describe works of exceptional artistic,
literary, or intellectual achievement.
Development of Classicism:
The development of classicism as an artistic and literary movement is closely tied
to the Renaissance (14th to 17th century) and the Neoclassical period (17th to 19th
century). Here's how the term evolved:
Classicism in Ancient Rome and Greece:
The roots of classicism can be traced back to the art, literature, and culture of
ancient Greece and Rome. The Greeks and Romans developed ideas of beauty,
harmony, and order, which were considered the ideal in their art, literature, and
philosophy. Works by writers like Homer, Virgil, Sophocles, and Aristotle were
seen as models of excellence.
Classicism in the Renaissance Revival (14th-17th C.):
The term "classicism" came into use during the Renaissance (beginning in the 14th
century), a period when European scholars and artists rediscovered and sought to
revive the classical culture of Greece and Rome. This revival was influenced by
the rediscovery of ancient texts and the study of classical ideals of proportion,
symmetry, and reason. Humanist scholars such as Petrarch, Erasmus, and
Leonardo da Vinci promoted the values of classical antiquity.
Classicism in Neoclassical Movement (17th-19th C.):
The formal use of the term "classicism" became more prominent during the
neoclassical movement in the 17th and 18th centuries. This period was marked by
a return to the classical ideals of simplicity, clarity, and order. Writers and artists,
influenced by thinkers like Aristotle and Horace, as well as by the Renaissance
humanists, sought to emulate the styles of ancient Greek and Roman art and
literature. The Neoclassical movement flourished in literature (e.g., works by
Alexander Pope and John Dryden) and art, architecture, and music.
Definition:
“Classicism is an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that draws inspiration
from the culture, values, and ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasizes
qualities such as order, balance, harmony, rationality, clarity, and restraint. In
literature, it focuses on structured forms, universal themes, and moral lessons,
often following the models set by classical writers like Homer, Virgil, and
Sophocles.”
Characteristics of classicism in literature:
Emphasis on Rationalism and Reason: Classical literature values logic
and reason over emotion and imagination. Writers who follow classical
principles often focus on clear, structured expression and emphasize a
rational approach to both life and literature.
Adherence to Form and Structure: Classical works tend to follow strict
forms of poetry, drama, and narrative, with a focus on clear organization. In
poetry, for example, this might mean using specific meters or rhyme
schemes. In drama, it might mean adhering to Aristotle’s rules for tragedy.
Focus on Universal Themes: Classicism values the exploration of universal
human experiences, such as love, honor, virtue, and the struggle between
fate and free will. These themes were central to Greek and Roman literature
and are often found in works that follow classicism.
Balance and Proportion: Classicism emphasizes symmetry, balance, and
proportion. In literature, this could mean achieving a harmonious
relationship between different elements of a work, such as plot structure,
character development, and thematic exploration.
Imitation of Classical Authors: Classical writers like Homer, Virgil,
Sophocles, and Ovid were seen as models to emulate. The Renaissance and
the Neoclassical period (17th and 18th centuries) revived these ideals, with
writers striving to emulate the styles and values of these ancient authors.
Moral Lessons: Classical works often teach moral lessons, encouraging
virtues like courage, wisdom, and temperance, as seen in the epics of Homer
or the tragedies of Sophocles. These works were meant to both entertain and
instruct, fostering a sense of duty, ethics, and civic responsibility.
Major themes of classical literature:
Classical literature explores several key themes:
1. Heroism and Courage: Heroes face challenges with bravery and honor, like
in The Iliad and The Aeneid.
2. Fate vs. Free Will: Characters struggle with whether their lives are
controlled by fate or their own choices, as seen in Greek tragedies.
3. Moral Lessons: Many works teach values like loyalty, justice, and wisdom,
such as in The Odyssey.
4. Love and Passion: Love—whether romantic or familial—plays a big role,
with both positive and destructive effects.
5. Justice and Law: Writers explore what is right and just, like in Antigone,
where law conflicts with personal beliefs.
6. The Divine and the Human: Gods often influence human lives, showing
the power of the divine in works like The Odyssey.
7. Transformation: Change and transformation, especially in Metamorphoses,
are key themes in classical stories.
8. Civilization vs. Barbarism: The contrast between civilized societies and
"barbaric" cultures is explored, like in Germania.
These themes reflect universal ideas about human nature, society, and the world.
Main writers and works of classical literature:
The main writers of classical literature include Homer, Sophocles, Virgil,
Horace, and Ovid.
Homer wrote the famous epics The Iliad and The Odyssey, which tell the
stories of the Trojan War and the hero Odysseus.
Sophocles is known for his plays Oedipus Rex and Antigone, which explore
themes like fate and family duty.
Virgil wrote The Aeneid, the story of Aeneas and the founding of Rome.
Horace wrote poems like Odes and Satires, which reflect on life,
philosophy, and society.
Ovid is famous for Metamorphoses, a collection of myths about
transformation.
These writers helped shape classical literature, which values order, reason, and
timeless themes.
