LITERATURA del NEOCLASICISMO: Características, autores, géneros y temas

Neoclassicism in Literature: An Overview

Introduction to Neoclassicism

• The video introduces the topic of Neoclassicism, outlining its historical and cultural context, literary genres, key characteristics, and notable authors.

Historical and Cultural Context

• Neoclassicism emerged during the 18th century, a period known as the Age of Enlightenment or "Siglo de las Luces," emphasizing reason over the decadence of Baroque art.

• The movement is characterized by a revival of classical Greek and Roman concepts, aiming to educate humanity through literature.

Literary Genres in Neoclassicism

• Prose aimed for clarity and simplicity to convey ideas effectively; it was designed for mass audiences.

• The neoclassical theater adhered strictly to the three unities: action, place, and time, contrasting with later romantic movements that embraced more freedom.

Key Characteristics of Neoclassical Literature

Top 5 Characteristics

1. Focus on Group Knowledge: Literature sought to enlighten rather than entertain; fables were significant for their educational value.

2. Moral Values: Emphasized moral teachings derived from classical influences to elevate civilization towards progress.

3. Simplicity and Sobriety: Unlike Baroque literature's complexity, neoclassical works used straightforward language accessible to all social classes.

4. The Essay as a Dominant Form: Essays became vital for expressing scientific thought and philosophical inquiry during this era.

5. Rational Themes: Works focused on reason over emotion; themes revolved around science rather than fantasy or spirituality.

Notable Authors of Neoclassicism

• Jean de La Fontaine (1621–1695): A precursor whose fables were influential despite being banned by the church due to their perceived danger.

Overview of Influential Writers and Their Works

Tomás de Iriarte (1750-1791)

• Iriarte traveled through Europe as a merchant and faced legal issues due to his political stances during a turbulent time in his country.

• Notable works include "Carta a un disidente," "El consolidador," "La vida del capitán," and the iconic "Robinson Crusoe."

Félix María Samaniego (1745-1801)

• A prominent Spanish writer influenced by French styles, he initially worked as a translator but gained fame as an author.

• In 1782, he published a compendium of fables claiming they were pioneering in Spain, despite similar work released by his friend Samaniego the previous year.

• His notable works include "El señorito mimado," "La señorita malcriada," and "Los literatos en cuaresma."

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) (1694-1778)

• A significant figure of the Enlightenment known for his sharp critical sense; he produced an impressive body of lyrical works, plays, essays, and philosophical prose.

• Important writings include "Ensayo sobre las costumbres" and the famous novel "Cándido o el optimismo."

Carlo Goldoni (1707-1793)

• An influential Italian playwright who authored around 200 theatrical works, contributing significantly to comedy and humor in theater.

• He spent his later years in France working for King Louis XV but fell into poverty after losing his pension post-French Revolution. Key works include "Griselda," "Don Giovanni Tenorio," and "La moza."

Conclusion