Write a brief note on the characteristics of the Early Augustan poetry ( MEG 101 ) ( THE EARLY AUGUSTANS )

The Early Augustan poetry refers to the poetry written in the late 17th and early 18th centuries during the reigns of King William III and Queen Anne in England. It is characterized by a return to classical values and the influence of the Roman poet Virgil, as well as a focus on reason and common sense over the extremes of emotion and imagination that characterized the previous era of the English Renaissance.

The Early Augustan poets tended to write in a clear and direct style, with an emphasis on wit, satire, and moral instruction. They also focused on the themes of social order, reason, and individualism. This was reflected in the use of classical forms such as the heroic couplet, which became the dominant form of poetry during this period.

The Early Augustan poets also paid attention to the use of language, and the way in which it could be used to convey meaning and emotion. They emphasized the importance of clarity and simplicity in language, rejecting the ornate and overly-complex language of the previous era.

Some of the key poets of the Early Augustan period include John Dryden, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Matthew Prior.