Classicism in Literature

By the end of the XIII century, in the cultural development of Western European countries, classicism became the dominant artistic trend. This style refers to the legacy of the ancient era, taking it for an ideal sample and norm. Classicism in literature is inextricably linked with the activities of the French poet Francois Malerba. He initiated the reform of verse and language, thanks to him in the literature fixed certain poetic canons.

Classicism is a style that prevailed in the art of the 8th-10th centuries. This direction, based on the ideas of rationalism, sought to elevate the moral and heroic ideals.

Classicism in literature divides the main genres into two types: high and low. The first include works that tell of outstanding people and events. These genres include an ode, a tragedy and a heroic song. As the main actors here are politicians, famous artists, historical figures and monarchs - those people, who are usually spoken with majestic, solemn language. Low genres describe the life of the private bourgeoisie, the so-called third estate. They include comedy, fable, satire and other works written in a colloquial style.

Classicism in literature puts forward the genre of tragedy in the first place. It is he who is able to expose the most important moral problems. Public conflicts are reflected in the souls of the main characters, set before the choice between personal interests, passions and moral duty. The mind is opposed to the senses.

In the period of classicism in the works of J. Lafontaine, N. Boileau and J.-B. Moliere high development achieve a fable, satire and comedy. These works, which solve important philosophical and moral problems of modern society, cease to be a "low" genre and acquire a certain dramatic significance.

In the era of classicism creates a huge number of prose works. The works of B. Pascal, M. Lafayette, J. LaBruyer and other writers of this period are distinguished by the typing of passions, analytical worldview, clarity and accuracy of the syllable.

Classicism in literature reflects the main tendencies of urban poetry. In their writings, writers sought to convey to the reader the importance of people fulfilling their duties to society, the need to educate a human citizen.

You can list the main features of classicism:

• Images and forms of works are taken from ancient art;
• The division of heroes into positive and negative;
• In the basis of the plot of the classic work - a love triangle;
• In the finals good triumphs, and evil remains punished;
• Observance of the principle of three oneness: place, action and time.

Traditionally, the authors took a certain historical event as the basis for the plot of the classical work. The protagonist of the work is a virtuous person, to whom any vices are alien. Classical works were imbued with ideas of rationalism and service to the state.

In Russia, this direction was first reflected in the works of M. Lomonosov, and then developed in the works of A. Kantemir, V. Trediakovskii and other enlighteners. The subjects of the tragedies are based on national historical events (A. Sumarokov, N. Nikolayev, J. Knyazhnin), and in their style there is lyricism and "ruffeness" of the main characters. The main characters directly and boldly express the author's ideas. We can say that classicism in Russian literature has become a means of satirical exposing the pathos of citizenship.

After the publication of articles by V. Belinsky in academic science and criticism, a negative attitude towards this direction was established. Only in the Soviet period it was possible to restore this style to its former importance and importance.