The Contribution of Classicism to Modern Literature

Abstract

This study aimed at assuring the pivotal contribution made by the classics of ancient Greeks and Romans in one hand and the contribution of the late classicism and neoclassicism in English literature in the other hand. Literary work which is popular for a long time and is considered to be of a high quality is given the adjective “classic" or "classical”. The researchers adopted the descriptive analytic method. In this regard the study highlights some literary works and genres with their writers spread out in Europe specially the countries which their languages were derived from Latin like French and Italian. The emphasis is on the eighteenth century which is called the Classical Age. The beginning of classicism abated the grasp of Puritans in the society and education was allowed for a certain types of girls which led to the emergence of some female writers like Jane Austen. Neo-classical literature though lasted for a short time compared with the movement which was between Renaissance and Romantic period, its influence in English literature is crystal clear. The Satire is the most important contribution of neoclassicism. The researchers recommended that it is better to teach literary movements in an integrated way.