By the end of the XIIIth century, in the cultural development of Western European states, classicism became the dominant artistic movement. This style appeals to the heritage of the ancient era, taking it for an ideal model and norm. Classicism in literature is inextricably linked with the activities of the French poet Francois Malerbe. He initiated the reform of poetry and language, thanks to him certain poetic canons were entrenched in literature.
Classicism is the style that dominated the art of the X VIII – X I X centuries. This direction, based on the ideas of rationalism, sought to exalt moral and heroic ideals.
Classicism in literature divides the main genres into two types: high and low. The first include works that tell about prominent people and events. These genres include ode, tragedy and heroic song. The main characters here are politicians, famous artists, historical characters and monarchs - those people who are usually spoken about in a majestic, solemn language. Low genres describe the life of the private bourgeoisie, the so-called third estate. These include comedy, fable, satire and other works written in colloquial style.
Classicism in literature puts forward the genre of tragedy. It is he who is able to expose the most important moral problems. Social conflicts are reflected in the souls of the main characters, faced with a choice between personal interests, passions and moral duty. Reason is opposed to feelings.
In the period of classicism in the works of J. Lafontaine, N. Boileau and J.-B. Moliere of high development reach fable, satire and comedy. These works, solving 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. Labruyere and other writers of this period are distinguished by the typification of passions, analytical worldview, clarity and accuracy of the syllable.
Classicism in literature reflects the main trends of urban poetry. In their works, 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;
- division of heroes into positive and negative;
- the plot of the classic work is based on a love triangle;
- in the finale, good triumphs, and evil remains punished;
- adherence to the principle of three unity: place, action and time.
Traditionally, the authors took a certain historical event as the basis of the plot of the classical composition. 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 was developed in the works of A. Kantemir, V. Trediakovsky and other enlighteners. The theme of the tragedies is based on national historical events (A. Sumarokov, N. Nikolaev, Y. Knyazhnin), and in their style there is lyricism and the “horn” of the main characters. The main characters directly and boldly express the ideas of the author. We can say that classicism in Russian literature has become a means of satirically 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 was it possible to restore this style to its former significance and importance.
