Characteristics of the Augustan Age in English Literature 1701-1755

The Augustan Age (1701–1755)

William Hogarth and the Spirit of the Age

Key Philosophical and Literary Characteristics

• Predominance of Reason: The human being is primarily a reasonable being. Reason is defined by *empiricism* and *common sense*. The reliance on Aristotle as a principle of authority diminishes.
• Classical Imitation: Imitation of the Romans, who, in turn, imitated the Greeks.
• Development of Science: Figures like Newton explained phenomena (e.g., the tide). Reason, not the principle of authority, is used to express ideas.
• Man as a Rational Being: Reason equals empiricism (observation, measurement, and drawing conclusions). This involves observing reality, making measurements, and arriving at a conclusion. Examples include fables and moral tales. Literature itself is something that must be observed.
• Universal Laws: Belief in the existence of universal laws. If there is a law for the creation of planets, there must be a law for everything (including literary composition, literary criticism, social behavior, and art).
• Knowledge from Experience: All knowledge is derived from experience. The human being is often compared to a tree (seed).
• Education and *Tabula Rasa*: Literature equals education. The human being at birth is considered a *tabula rasa* (blank slate).
• Realistic Writers: Prominence of realistic writers (e.g., Henry Fielding's *Tom Jones*).
• Usage of Satire: Following the principle of *utile et dulce* (useful and funny). Satire allows the author to criticize society without revealing specific names.
• Social Being: The human being is essentially a social being.

Social Criticism and Moralizing Literature

Literature during this period was highly moralizing, aiming to make people better members of society, often neglecting the focus on the individual. Society dictated that individuals must remain within their designated social station; attempting to rise above it was seen as inviting universal punishment.

Targets of Augustan Satire

The Augustan writers criticized:

• Extravagance: Defined both as eccentricity and excessive waste of money.
• Lack of Common Sense, Moderation, and Prudence.
• Hypocrisy: The failure to behave according to one's true self or social standing.
• Corruption (especially political corruption).
• Vulgarity.
• Pride: Specifically, being proud of actions done in a bad mood or humor.
• Disorder.
• Greed.
• Excess of any kind: Moderation was highly valued, making excess (of vices, sins, or even virtues) forbidden.
• Vices and Politics.

Aesthetic Principles and Literary Context

It is very important to mention the aesthetic principles of decorum and clarity, which encompass simplicity, order, and balance.

Further Characteristics of Augustan Literature

• Clarity of Style: Demonstrated in works like Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels (e.g., the conflict between Lilliput and Blefuscu). The style is clear so that everyone can understand the text, reinforcing the aim of satire.
• Admiration for Classical Models: Writers actively sought to imitate classical models.
• Belief in Learning and Erudition: This tradition traces back through Greece, Horace, the Roman Empire, and Virgil, culminating in the 18th-century Augustan Age, where imitation was key.
• Empathy with the Aristocracy: Society was viewed as necessarily organized, led by the monarch and the aristocracy, who were considered the rulers of the nation. Aristocrats were expected to be models for others to become better members of society.
• Commercialization of Literature: Literature increasingly became a commercial activity.

Works Associated with William Hogarth

• The Analysis of Beauty (1753)
• The Graham Children (1742)
• Portrait of William Hogarth with his Dog (1745)