Neoclassical Romance in Scottish Chapbooks

Woodcut on title-page portraying man with sword and shield standing in outdoor scene; house and trees in the background

 

 

The Neo-Classical movement occurred within the Restoration period between the 18th and 19th century and coincided with the Age of Enlightenment. This movement looked to restore the arts so that they resembled the classical art of Ancient Greece and Rome, using them as their primary inspiration. Neoclassical literature contained principles of beauty that were consistent classical literature, but focused heavily on discipline and rules. This was a widepsread movement that was very influential and we cna see its impact in many Scottish chapbooks throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. 

 

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This is excerpt from a Scottish Chapbook is a Neoclassically-influenced poem that looks at the bounds of a man's love for an unnamed woman. The structure of the poem follows the rigid guidelines of Ancient Greek and Roman poetry, comprising four complete stanzas and using rhyming couplets. 

In the highlighted section the author refers to his lover as a nymph, and further professes his love for her. This references Greek mythology in a rigid structure that does not stray from the classical style. 

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