An Introduction to Literature (2024/2025) PDF

University of Algiers 02 Course: Literature Faculty of Foreign Languages Teacher in charge: Dr Z.Yousfi Department of English Groups: 1 & 14 & 15 (2nd year) Academic year: 2024/...

University of Algiers 02 Course: Literature Faculty of Foreign Languages Teacher in charge: Dr Z.Yousfi Department of English Groups: 1 & 14 & 15 (2nd year) Academic year: 2024/2025 AN INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE 1 Literature. An Introduction to Literature- 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI Neoclassicism It is a movement that derived from classics/classical cultures i.e. Roman and Greek cultures and philosophies. Neo is a prefix that refers to the modern version of something. Classicism refers to classics. 2 Literature. An Introduction to Literature- 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI  Therefore, unlike the Renaissance which translates to rebirth of something that existed and it is back to life again as it was before, Neoclassicism is the new version of those classics, they are not just reborn they are altered while preserving some of their traditional and original aspects. Neoclassicism dominated the English literature from the 17th to 18th century. This period of time is divided into three major parts, each part is known for its literary leading figure: The Restoration Era (1660-1700): John Milton Paradise Lost 1667 which deals with Adam and Eve and the temptation of Satan. It depicts the universe through both Heaven and Hell. The Augustan Era (1700-1750): Alexander Pope The Dunciad 1728 (Pope was known for his Satire a literary form that uses elements such as irony and sarcasm and wit to mock, expose and attack human failings usually to inspire change) The Johnson Era (1750-1798): Samuel Johnson an English essayist and writer who influenced the English language through his Dictionary of the English Language 1755. Some of the major characteristics of Neoclassicism are: Thanks to the Renaissance! The church 3 restored its power which is why Neoclassicism emerged in a context where religion is very important, and viewed man as a weak easily Literature. An Introduction to Literature- 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI  tempted (Paradise Lost supports this idea) The previous Shakespearian imagination was replaced by religiously oriented writings, and essays. Enlightenment: In the 18th century science prevailed, and reason took The Age of Reason over! People started questioning the Church and its ways. To Think is to Question, to Question is to be Enlightened (Always remember that!) The church lost its hegemony since its thirst for power unravelled its unholy purposes. As a result people became more spiritual than religious. The Enlightenment prioritised the mind and the use of reason which fuelled optimism for better times since science promises a better life. The Enlightenment fostered scientific advances which paved the way for the Industrial Revolution. One of the relevant outcomes of the Industrialisation is: Even though printing emerged in the 14th century, it witnessed a greater progress with industrialisation and the invention of the paper machine, thus publishing books could finally match the popular demand which resulted in a well-read population that can produce ideas. Printing Books Readership Literacy Progress Ideas Thinkers Prose became a dominant form. 4 The Era witnessed the birth of the English Novel via Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (a fictionalised autobiographical account.) Literature. An Introduction to Literature- 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI  Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels marked the era as well (a satirical novel with an autobiographical tone). The French Revolution in 1789 marked the End of The Age of Reason and the Beginning of a new era…a new movement … the Romantic Era. 5 Literature. An Introduction to Literature- 2nd year English - Dr. Z. YOUSFI