Introduction to Augustan age from the assignment experts

Posted by braydenmarco on June 24th, 2019

Augustan literature was a period under the rule of Queen Anne (1702 - 1714), King George I (1714 - 1727) and King George II (1727 - 1760). The first half of the 18th century was dominated by the Augustan form of literature. The name Augustan is associated with King George I. He was compared to the first Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. During the reign of Augustus Caesar poetry, art and all forms of literature were admired and flourished. The literature is written and published in Augustan age was an imitation of classic literature. Writers tried to adopt the classical style as they were extremely inspired by classical writers such as Homer and Virgil.

During the Augustan age, middle class rose to power. However, political power was in the hands of the noble class. England experienced social development at a good pace. People in England discovered the art of living together with different perceptions. Newspapers, pamphlets, and various magazines were the main source through which information was passed on to the public. The native of London was still corrupted during the age. However, aristocrats were trying to enhance and develop themselves by gaining material possession as well as on the intellectual front. They portray the artificial culture and similar was the literature of that time artificial and shallow. If you want to deepen your knowledge in the historical background of Augustan age you can ask for help from the instant assignment help service providers. A detailed description of this period will be provided to you.

Eminent writers of the Augustan age

Most prominent writers of the Augustan age and their important contributions towards literature as per instant assignment experts.

Alexander Pope

• Pastorals.
• An Essay on Criticism.
• Messiah (from the Book of Isaiah, and later translated into Latin by Samuel Johnson)
• The Rape of the Lock (enlarged in 1714)
• Windsor Forest.
• The Temple of Fame: A Vision.
• Translation of the Iliad.
• Eloisa to Abelard.

Jonathan Swift

• A Tale of a Tub
• An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity
• Gulliver's Travels
• A Modest Proposal

Daniel Defoe

• A Tale of a Tub
• An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity
• Gulliver's Travels
•  A Modest Proposal

Features of the Augustan period

Dominant tone in the literature

Augustan literature encompasses wit, satire and intellectual conceits. Satire and parody were highly used in prose, poetry, and drama. Imagination and fantasy were absent and satire took its place.

Allusion

Augustan writers were influenced by the classical writers and thus one can trace the writing style of classics into Augustan literature. Writers started to use Biblical allusions just like Milton used in Paradise Lost in 1667.

The increase in literacy and printing

Introduction of the printing press and literacy caused the expansion of readers amongst English society. Distribution of periodicals was increased. One of the most famous periodicals essays were The Spectators by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele.

There are more characteristic features of this time period. You can take online assignment help Australia to strengthen your intellectual capacity into Augustan literature.