How does F.R. Leavis consider the Augustan Age?
Literature and Society is a notable literary work by F. R. Leavis. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Literature and Society.
Answer
How does F.R. Leavis consider the Augustan Age? [2018, 2015] ✪✪✪
The Augustan Age was a period in English literature that spanned roughly from 1700 to 1750. It was named after the Roman emperor Augustus due to its similarities to the Golden Age of Latin literature during Augustus’ reign. According to F.R. Leavis (1895-1978), the Augustan Age represents refinement, order, and the spirit of social harmony between the writer and his society.
Origin of the Augustan Tradition: Leavis suggests that the Augustan tradition originated with the significant social and cultural transformations of the seventeenth century. The early phase is evident in Dryden’s works, and its maturity is seen in “The Tatler” and “The Spectator.” The age taught that man is a social being, and even inner feelings must follow the manners and ideals of society.
Spirit of Social Unity: According to Leavis, writers of the Augustan Age felt a deep connection to their society. He says,
“It was an age with a tradition in which the writer felt himself very much at one with society.”
This unity gave literature a moral and cultural strength. Writers like Addison, Steele, and Pope reflected public life, politeness, and good taste.
Refinement and Cultural Maturity: Leavis praises the Augustan literature for its refinement and balance. Its conventions and idioms, he says, represent “a confident maturity.” The age valued clarity, form, and discipline. Both prose and poetry displayed elegance and control. Leavis admired this sense of social order.
Limitation of Excessive Social Emphasis: However, Leavis also notes a weakness in the age’s overemphasis on the social side. He writes,
“Such insistence on the social has a discouraging effect on the deeper sources of originality.”
Excessive stress on good form and manners reduced emotional depth and personal creativity.
In brief, Leavis regards the Augustan Age as a paradigm of harmony between literature and society. It reflected social manners, moral order, and intellectual refinement.