12 best 18th century literary criticism

18th-century literary criticism refers to the body of critical thought and analysis of literature that developed during the 18th century. This period saw significant changes in the way literature was viewed and evaluated, laying the foundation for many of the modern approaches to literary criticism. Here are some key points about 18th-century literary criticism:

1. Neoclassicism: The dominant literary and critical movement of the 18th century was neoclassicism.Neoclassical critics believed in following the principles of ancient Greek and Roman literature. They valued order, reason, restraint, and the imitation of classical models. Works were expected to adhere to strict rules of genre and decorum.

2. Pope and Johnson: Two prominent figures in 18th-century literary criticism were Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson. Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" (1709) is a key text that outlines neoclassical principles of literary criticism. Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare" (1765) is another influential work that examined the genius of William Shakespeare.

3. Satire and Critique: Satire was a popular form of literary criticism in the 18th century. Writers like Jonathan Swift used satire to critique and comment on society, politics, and human nature. Swift's "A Modest Proposal" (1729) is a famous example of satirical writing.

4. The Rise of the Novel: The 18th century also saw the rise of the novel as a literary form. Critics began to engage with and analyze novels as a distinct genre. Samuel Richardson's "Pamela" (1740) and Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones" (1749) are early examples of the novel, and they generated discussions among critics.

5. Literary Journals and Periodicals: The 18th century saw the proliferation of literary journals and periodicals, such as "The Spectator" (1711-1712) and "The Rambler" (1750-1752), where literary criticism was published and discussed. These publications played a significant role in shaping literary tastes and critical thought.

6. Emphasis on Morality and Didacticism: Many 18th-century critics believed that literature should have a moral purpose and be didactic. They saw literature as a means of instructing and improving readers' morals and behavior.

7. Transition to Romanticism: Towards the end of the 18th century, there was a shift away from strict neoclassical principles as the Romantic movement began to emerge. Romanticism celebrated individualism, emotion, and nature, challenging some of the neoclassical ideals.

8. Legacy: The literary criticism of the 18th century laid the groundwork for later developments in literary theory and criticism. It provided a framework for evaluating literature that continued to influence scholars and critics in the centuries that followed.

Overall, 18th-century literary criticism was characterized by its adherence to classical principles, its focus on satire and morality, and its contributions to the understanding of literature as a powerful medium for commentary and reflection on society.