English 598
Eighteenth Century Poetry and Prose
Spring 1976
Summary of Introduction, Eighteenth Century Poetry and Prose
This introductory view says that the eighteenth century was characterized by a movement in though back to ultra-simple, classic Greek and, especially, Roman ideals. Reason, that is, the mental process and common sense as opposed to emotion, was the proper tool with which to comprehend God and higher truths. Literature should instruct and amuse, according to the Horatian standard; it should express its criticism of society and men in clear, concise and entertaining language; and it should not only advocate moderation in all things, but express such thought moderately. In practice, however, satire was often the method, and its types varied between modest proposals simply stated and bitter attacks, exaggerated and detailed. The truths of which it spoke were universal and unchangeable. Art should imitate nature, its higher laws and its basic patterns. Man should, practicably, try to do only what was already known to be possible.
But speculation was increasing. Man was looking more and more to his potential, through scientific discovery, and expressing himself more freely. Instruction and description were clear, concise and pointed. It was also witty and playful and close to regular speech, as some men were becoming more spontaneous. Along with simplicity and elegance and symmetry, some men manifested enthusiasm and was learning to respect his own “original genius” (p. xxiv). There was a throbbing progress from universal and timeless truths above man, toward newly apprehended, immediate and individual experience on a real level. The individual’s own personal comprehension was becoming proper and valid. By the end of the century that individualism was bringing about a more democratic view of mankind in general and evolving into the self-centered Romantic vision.