The Augustan Age (1700–1745) in English literature is named after Emperor Augustus of Rome, as writers of this period admired the classical Roman literary tradition. This era is also known as the Neoclassical Age or the Age of Pope, reflecting the influence of Greek and Roman models, rationalism, and satirical poetry. The poetry of this period is characterized by order, harmony, reason, wit, and satire, moving away from the emotional intensity of the Renaissance and the religious austerity of the Puritan era. Alexander Pope, John Dryden, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Johnson were the leading poets of this time.
Characteristics of Augustan Poetry
- Influence of Classical Literature - It inspired by Greek and Roman poets like Virgil, Horace, and Juvenal. It is strictly adherence to classical rules and poetic forms (e.g., heroic couplet).
- Use of Satire and Wit - Poetry was critical of society, politics, and human folly. Writers like Pope and Swift used satire to mock corruption, hypocrisy, and ignorance.
- Emphasis on Reason and Order - Poetry reflected the rational and intellectual spirit of the Enlightenment. Writers valued clarity, balance, and symmetry in their works.
- Didactic and Moral Purpose - Poems aimed to educate, refine taste, and promote moral values. Writers criticized social vices and emphasized virtue.
- Heroic Couplet as the Dominant Form - A rhymed pair of iambic pentameter lines (aa, bb, cc, etc.). It is used extensively by Alexander Pope and John Dryden.
- Urban and Political Themes - Poetry reflected the sophisticated urban culture of London. Satirical works often addressed politics, literary debates, and social manners.
- Mock-Epic Style - A parody of classical epics, treating trivial subjects in a grand, heroic manner. Pope’s The Rape of the Lock is a famous example.
Major Poets of the Augustan Age
- John Dryden (1631–1700) - He is a transitional figure between Restoration and Augustan poetry. He is master of heroic couplets and satirical verse. His notable works are Absalom and Achitophel (political satire on the Exclusion Crisis), Mac Flecknoe (a satirical attack on bad poets), and The Hind and the Panther (a religious allegory). He established Neoclassical principles of decorum, clarity, and rationalism.
- Alexander Pope (1688–1744) - He is the greatest poet of the Augustan Age and master of satirical and didactic poetry. He wrote in heroic couplets, showing intellectual wit and balance. His notable works are The Rape of the Lock (a mock-epic satirizing aristocratic vanity), The Dunciad (a satire against bad literature and declining culture), An Essay on Criticism (outlining literary principles), and An Essay on Man (philosophical poem about human nature and divine order).
- Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) - He is primarily a prose writer, but also wrote satirical poetry. He used poetry for political and moral criticism. His notable works are Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift (self-mocking and satirical) and A Description of a City Shower (mocking the filth of London).
- Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) - He is known for his moralistic poetry and strong neoclassical values. His notable works are London (satirical imitation of Juvenal’s poetry) and The Vanity of Human Wishes (a didactic poem on human ambition).
Themes in Augustan Poetry
- Satire and Social Criticism - It critiqued political corruption, aristocratic excess, literary mediocrity, and human folly. It used irony and humor to expose moral and intellectual weaknesses.
- Human Nature and Rationalism - Poetry emphasized reason over emotion, balance over passion. It explored man’s limitations, follies, and relationship with God and society (An Essay on Man).
- The Decline of Literary Standards - It satirized bad poetry, ignorance, and the commercialization of literature (The Dunciad).
- The Superficiality of Aristocratic Life - It exposed the frivolity and vanity of the upper classes (The Rape of the Lock).
- Moral and Ethical Instruction - It encouraged virtue, discipline, and proper conduct (An Essay on Criticism).
Forms and Styles of Augustan Poetry
- Heroic Couplet is the dominant poetic form. It is often rhymed iambic pentameter pairs used for precision, clarity, and wit. For example, “To err is human, to forgive divine” from the poem An Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope.\
- Mock-Epic uses grand epic style for trivial or humorous subjects. For instance, The Rape of the Lock treats a minor quarrel as a grand war.
- Pastoral and Didactic Poetry are the moral reflections on rural life. For instance, Pope’s Windsor Forest.
- Satirical Poetry uses wit and ridicule to attack moral, political, and literary flaws. For instance, Dryden’s Mac Flecknoe.
The heroic couplet became the model for poetic composition. The focus on reason and order led to a reaction in the late 18th century, where poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge embraced emotion and nature. Satirical works shaped public opinion on politics and morality. The wit, precision, and social critique of Augustan poets influenced Byron, T.S. Eliot, and modern satirists. The Augustan Age of poetry was marked by rationalism, satire, and classical influence. Poets like Pope, Dryden, and Swift crafted poetry that was intellectually sharp, socially aware, and stylistically refined. Their heroic couplets, mock-epics, and didactic themes established a standard for English poetry that lasted well beyond the 18th century.