Write a note on the classic and the romantic aspects of English poetry ( MEG 102 ) ( THE AGE OF DRYDEN )

English poetry can be broadly divided into two main periods: the classic and the romantic. The classic period, which lasted from the 17th to the early 19th century, is characterized by a focus on reason, order, and clarity of language. The romantic period, which followed, was marked by an emphasis on emotion, imagination, and individualism.

Classic poetry is characterized by its adherence to form and structure. Poets of this period often used formal meters and rhyme schemes, and their poetry was marked by a restrained, formal tone. They focused on subjects such as nature, society, and morality, often exploring these themes through the use of allegory and classical allusions. Classic poets such as John Donne, John Milton, and Alexander Pope were celebrated for their intellectual depth and mastery of poetic craft.

In contrast, romantic poetry rejected the formal constraints of classic poetry, favoring instead a more natural and spontaneous approach. Romantic poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Percy Bysshe Shelley emphasized the importance of individual experience and imagination. They often wrote about love, nature, and the supernatural, and their poetry was characterized by vivid imagery, heightened emotion, and a lyrical quality.

Despite their differences, both classic and romantic poetry have had a lasting impact on English literature. Classic poetry has influenced generations of poets with its emphasis on form, language, and intellectual depth, while romantic poetry has inspired writers to explore new realms of emotion and imagination. Together, these two periods represent a rich and varied tradition of English poetry, each with its own unique strengths and contributions to the literary canon.