The Characteristics

of Neoclassical

Andrea Nicole Ballesteros

Abel 2-3
Imitation of Classics

One of the most important features of the Neoclassical

literature is the imitation of the classics of ancient Greek
and Roman literature.
*Although the Renaissance writers had imitated the
classics, whereas Renaissance writers mere derived
inspirations from the classics rather than copying the
models of the past, the Neoclassical writers strictly
adhered to the authority of their models. Thus
Neoclassical literature can be called as ‘Traditional’.
Concept of Nature
The concept of nature was also an
important characteristic of the
Neoclassical age. By nature, they never
meant the forest nature, but for them,
nature meant the general human
nature.
*The general human nature was not what the
ordinary men and women felt and thought, but the
standard view of human nature as held by Homer
and Horace.
Like their static view of the world,the Neoclassical
writers thought of human nature also was
something static and standard, which is the same in
all men and remains the same at all times.
Characteristics
Neoclassical was defined by common sense, order,
accuracy, and structure. In the literature of the
renaissance period, man was portrayed to be good;
however, this genre of writers showed man to be
flawed and relatively more human.

Their characters also practiced conservatism, self-

control, and restraint.
Concept of Man

The Neoclassical literature considers man as a limited being,

having limited power. A largeofnumber
Concept Man of satires and works of the
period attack the man
Thefor his pride and
Neoclassical advise him to remain
literature
content with his limited power
considers manof knowledge.
as a limited Thus man in
Neoclassical literature remains
being, havinga being
limitedof limited means and
power. power. A large number of
satires and works of the
period attack the man for
his pride and advise him
Literary Forms
Among the Neoclassical forms of literature, the most
famous were the essay, both in verse and prose. While
drama declined and almost disappeared during the
later part of the period, Novel made its beginnings.
The literature of the age was mostly comic and satiric.
An important failure of the age was to produce
tragedy.
Neoclassical Drama

Neoclassical drama falls into two phases-

*Restoration Drama (later 17th century)

*Sentimental Drama (18th century)

The New Restraint

Writers started inventing new words and

regularising vocabulary and grammar.
Complex bodily metaphysical language such
as Shakespeare used in his major tragedies
was clarified and simplified.
Age of Reason

Neoclassical Period is often called the Age of Reason.

Thinkers of this age considered reason to be the
highest mental faculty and sufficient guide in all areas.
Both religious beliefs and morality were grounded on
reason. In literature also, the reason is predominant in
the Neoclassical age.
Conclusion

The Neoclassical Period in literature brought a sense of

decorum and stability to writers. There were rules to be
carefully followed. It was a time of careful moral
appearance, though appearances were more valued
than honesty. However, some of England’s most brilliant
literature can be credited to this era.
The Principles Of Neoclassical Approach
The individual

An individual is not a mechanical tool but a distinct

social being, with aspirations beyond mere fulfilment
of a few economic and security works. Individuals
differ from each other in pursuing these desires. Thus,
an individual should be recognized as interacting with
social and economic factors.
The work group
The neoclassical approach highlighted the
social facets of work groups or informal
organizations that operate within a formal
organization. The concept of 'group' and its
synergistic benefits were considered
important
Participative management
Making permits workers to participate in
the decision making process. This was a
new form of management to ensure
increases in productivity.