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The Augustan Age: A Pivotal Era in British Literature

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The Augustan Age in British literature is marked by satire and political critique, with figures like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift at the forefront. This era saw the rise of the novel, the essay, and the political magazine, reflecting the Enlightenment's values of reason and empirical evidence. Neoclassicism's influence on art and the emergence of individualism in poetry also characterize this period, setting the stage for Romanticism.

The Augustan Age: Defining the Era

The Augustan Age, named after the Roman Emperor Augustus, signifies a pivotal era in British literature during the 18th century, particularly from the early 1700s to the mid-century. This period is distinguished by the flourishing of satire, a literary form that uses wit, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and ridicule societal norms and the ruling elite. The era is often demarcated by the literary contributions of Alexander Pope, who passed away in 1744, and Jonathan Swift, who died in 1745, although the boundaries of the period are not strictly defined.
Elegant 18th-century salon with well-dressed men and women discussing literature around a table, ornate bookshelves, and a grand fireplace.

Satirical Wit as Political Critique

Satire was the weapon of choice for Augustan writers to deliver incisive political commentary. The expansion of print culture, including the rise of newspapers and periodicals, facilitated the dissemination of satirical works, making them more accessible to a wider audience. The literature of this time frequently carried a political edge, with authors like Jonathan Swift in "Gulliver's Travels" and Henry Fielding in his parody of "Pamela" by Samuel Richardson, using satire to critique social and political issues.

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00

The ______ Age is a key period in British literature, especially noted for the rise of satire, and is associated with the early to mid-18th century.

Augustan

01

Significance of 'Gulliver's Travels' in Augustan satire

Swift's work critiques society and politics through fantastical voyages, exemplifying Augustan satire.

02

Henry Fielding's satirical technique

Fielding parodies popular novels, like 'Pamela', to satirize contemporary morals and literature.

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