The neo‐classical theory of literary criticism

The neo-classical theory of literary criticism emerged during a time when society was seeking stability and order after the tumultuous Renaissance period. The Renaissance celebrated individual creativity, emotional expression, and imaginative art forms. However, some intellectuals and scholars felt that this emphasis on emotions and personal expression had led to artistic chaos and a lack of moral guidance in literature. As a response, the neo-classical movement sought to revive the principles of ancient Greece and Rome, which were perceived as the epitome of artistic perfection and moral rectitude.

At the core of the neo-classical theory lay the concept of "mimesis," borrowed from Aristotle's "Poetics." Mimesis advocated for the imitation or representation of reality in art. According to this principle, literature should reflect the rationality and order observed in the real world. By mirroring life's moral lessons and virtuous behavior, literature could serve as a didactic tool, enlightening and educating the audience. The neo-classical writers and critics believed that art should not merely entertain but also uplift and instruct, instilling ethical values and promoting social harmony.

Moreover, the application of mimesis extended to other art forms as well. In painting and sculpture, artists strove to represent the human form and the natural world with precision and idealism, drawing inspiration from classical sculptures and Renaissance works. This revival of classical aesthetics can be seen in the works of artists like Jacques-Louis David, who depicted historical and mythological scenes with a heightened sense of idealism and moral purpose.

Within the context of literature, the principle of "decorum" played a pivotal role in neo-classical criticism. Decorum referred to the appropriateness of style and subject matter within a particular literary genre. Each literary form had its own conventions and expectations, and writers were expected to adhere to them strictly. For example, a tragedy should evoke feelings of pity and fear, while a comedy should amuse and entertain. Mixing tragic and comic elements or using inappropriate language would be considered a breach of decorum. By adhering to these norms, writers aimed to maintain coherence and harmony in their works, making them more relatable and engaging for the audience.

The three unities - unity of time, unity of place, and unity of action - further exemplify the neo-classical emphasis on order and restraint in literature, particularly in drama. These unities were derived from Aristotle's Poetics and were strictly followed by neo-classical playwrights. Unity of time stipulated that the action of a play should occur within a single day, unity of place required that all events take place in one location, and unity of action demanded that the plot revolve around a single central theme. By adhering to these unities, neo-classical dramatists sought to maintain the focus and engagement of the audience while enhancing the verisimilitude and coherence within the narrative.

Prominent figures like Jean-Baptiste Racine and Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux played influential roles in shaping the neo-classical movement. Racine, a celebrated French playwright, strictly adhered to the unities and verisimilitude in his works, contributing to the prominence of French drama during the neo-classical era. Boileau, a prominent literary critic, wielded his influential work "Art Poétique" to outline the rules and guidelines for adhering to the neo-classical principles. His work became a blueprint for aspiring writers seeking to produce exemplary works within the neo-classical framework.

Despite its many merits, the neo-classical theory of literary criticism was not without its critics. Some argued that the strict adherence to rules and conventions stifled creativity and innovation. The focus on reason and restraint was seen as limiting the exploration of human emotions and individual expression, leading to a perceived lack of emotional depth in neo-classical works. This criticism laid the groundwork for the rise of the Romantic movement, which celebrated emotion, imagination, and individuality as the driving forces behind artistic expression.

In conclusion, the neo-classical theory of literary criticism emerged as a response to the Renaissance period, seeking to revive the classical principles of ancient Greece and Rome. The concept of mimesis, along with the emphasis on decorum and the three unities, formed the core tenets of this movement, emphasizing reason, order, and adherence to established norms in artistic expression. Despite facing criticism, the neo-classical theory left a profound impact on literary criticism, influencing drama, poetry, and other art forms. Its legacy continues to shape the way we approach and analyze literature, providing valuable insights into the historical evolution of literary thought and the enduring quest for aesthetic excellence and moral guidance in artistic creations.