Lecture
Classicism in literature – a literary movement of the seventeenth to the early nineteenth centuries, based on the imitation of ancient models.
In almost any cultural movement, literature plays practically the leading role. This is what happened with classicism as well. It was precisely in literature that its main principles were most fully substantiated. Faceless heroes became the chief distinguishing feature of classicism. This «facelessness» does not at all imply, moreover, that the protagonist must be devoid of all individuality; he simply becomes a generalized model of the phenomenon being depicted, expressing the ideals, aspirations, and truths of his era. The hero of classicism must be ideal and free of human vices (correspondingly, the anti-hero consists exclusively of these shortcomings). The language and style of classicism change: colloquial expressions fall out of fashion, and strict, harmonious verse meters come to the fore. New demands are likewise put forward for composition; the principle of «one action in one place and time» comes into force, which gave impetus to the development of a fundamentally new theatrical art. It is precisely in the age of classicism that a clear boundary is drawn between genres. Thus odes, tragedies, and epic works are numbered among the «high genres», while comedies and fables become the «low» ones. The high genre demands greater responsibility, pathos, and strictness of exposition, whereas the more down-to-earth comedies are meant to ridicule human vices, and so may be more colloquial and naive. The mixing of literary genres was likewise not permitted.
The main features of Russian classicism:
A turn to the images and forms of ancient art.
Characters are clearly divided into positive and negative.
The plot is usually based on a love triangle: the heroine – the hero-lover, and a second lover.
At the end of a classical comedy, vice is always punished and virtue triumphs.
The principle of the three unities: of time (the action lasts no more than a day), of place, and of action.
As an example one may cite Fonvizin's comedy «The Minor». In this comedy Fonvizin attempts to carry out the central idea of classicism – to re-educate the world through the reasoned word. The positive characters engage in extensive reflection on morality, life at court, and the nobleman's duty. The negative characters serve to illustrate improper conduct. Behind the clash of personal interests, the characters' social positions become visible.
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