Augustan Literature

Augustan literature refers to the body of English writing produced during the early 18th century, roughly from the turn of the 18th century to around 1740. It was characterized by an emphasis on clarity, order, and wit, inspired by the Roman Empire's Augustan age (associated with writers like Virgil and Horace). Writers such as Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Joseph Addison aimed to promote reason, satire, and elegance, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. This period produced influential poetry, essays, and satire that sought to improve society through wit and moral reflection, marking a classical revival in English literature.