The Age of Pope / The Augustan Age
History of English Language and Literature
The Age of Pope: A Brief Overview
The History of English Language and Literature course will delve into the Age of
Pope, which took place during the reigns of monarchs such as Queen Anne and George
I of Hanover. This period is also known as neoclassicism, reason, exuberance, and
scandal, among other names.
During this era, the birth of a son raised the possibility of restoring Catholicism
and having another absolute monarch with Catholic loyalty and mindset. This
unexpected turn of events led to a conspiracy to depose James II, which resulted in
the Glorious Revolution of 1688, also known as the Bloodless Revolution of England.
The Augustan period began with the reign of Queen Anne, who ruled from 1702 to 1714
after the death of her sister Mary II and Mary's husband William III. The time also
saw the succession of the Hanoverian kings, which dominated English royalty for the
next four monarchs.
London as the Center of 18th Century Literature
London has been the center of major activities in England from medieval times
onwards. Especially during the Augustan period, the audience for literary and non-
literary activities becomes the polite society that revolves around London. This
society places increased emphasis on acts of civilization and refinement, which
were seen as the hallmarks of a well-bred person.
Coffee houses replace courts as the meeting place for cultured men
Poetry becomes socially acceptable and more tailored towards the middle class
Descriptive and meditative poetry becomes more popular
The objective of literature shifts towards education and entertainment of the
dominant middle class
During this time, the influence of the classical age is prevalent, with Latin
making a comeback and many translations finding their way into the London literary
circles. Although the audience for poetry narrowed, it became more socially
acceptable than in previous ages. However, there were limiting factors for both
audience and composition.
Alexander Pope and the Graveyard School of Poets
During the 18th century in London, the poetic scene was dominated by a group of
poets known as the Graveyard School of Poets. Their work often focused on themes of
death and decay, and many of them were self-conscious about their poetry.
Alexander Pope, born in 1688, was one of the most significant poets of this time
period. This was a significant year in English history and literature, marked by
the Glorious Revolution and the deaths of John Bunyan and Christopher Wren. Pope's
formal education was haphazard, but he still managed to become a prominent figure
in English literature.
Pope's Work
Pope's work can be classified into three periods: an early period, a short period
of translation, and a late period of original work. During the early period, Pope
wrote a collection of miscellaneous poems without sticking to any particular
subject matter or form. One of Pope's most significant works from this period was
The Essay on Criticism, which he wrote at the young age of 21.
History of English Language and Literature
The Age of Pope: A Brief Overview
The History of English Language and Literature course will delve into the Age of
Pope, which took place during the reigns of monarchs such as Queen Anne and George
I of Hanover. This period is also known as neoclassicism, reason, exuberance, and
scandal, among other names.
During this era, the birth of a son raised the possibility of restoring Catholicism
and having another absolute monarch with Catholic loyalty and mindset. This
unexpected turn of events led to a conspiracy to depose James II, which resulted in
the Glorious Revolution of 1688, also known as the Bloodless Revolution of England.
The Augustan period began with the reign of Queen Anne, who ruled from 1702 to 1714
after the death of her sister Mary II and Mary's husband William III. The time also
saw the succession of the Hanoverian kings, which dominated English royalty for the
next four monarchs.
London as the Center of 18th Century Literature
London has been the center of major activities in England from medieval times
onwards. Especially during the Augustan period, the audience for literary and non-
literary activities becomes the polite society that revolves around London. This
society places increased emphasis on acts of civilization and refinement, which
were seen as the hallmarks of a well-bred person.
Coffee houses replace courts as the meeting place for cultured men
Poetry becomes socially acceptable and more tailored towards the middle class
Descriptive and meditative poetry becomes more popular
The objective of literature shifts towards education and entertainment of the
dominant middle class
During this time, the influence of the classical age is prevalent, with Latin
making a comeback and many translations finding their way into the London literary
circles. Although the audience for poetry narrowed, it became more socially
acceptable than in previous ages. However, there were limiting factors for both
audience and composition.
Alexander Pope and the Graveyard School of Poets
During the 18th century in London, the poetic scene was dominated by a group of
poets known as the Graveyard School of Poets. Their work often focused on themes of
death and decay, and many of them were self-conscious about their poetry.
Alexander Pope, born in 1688, was one of the most significant poets of this time
period. This was a significant year in English history and literature, marked by
the Glorious Revolution and the deaths of John Bunyan and Christopher Wren. Pope's
formal education was haphazard, but he still managed to become a prominent figure
in English literature.
Pope's Work
Pope's work can be classified into three periods: an early period, a short period
of translation, and a late period of original work. During the early period, Pope
wrote a collection of miscellaneous poems without sticking to any particular
subject matter or form. One of Pope's most significant works from this period was
The Essay on Criticism, which he wrote at the young age of 21.
