Characteristics of the Age of Transition
Age of Dr. Samuel Johnson
Introduction: Why is it called a transitional age?
The age of transition (1745-1760-1798) took place during the second half of 18th century. It is called the age of transition because we find a change of mood from the old bondages of realism to new freedom of romanticism. This period witnessed a great change of taste, spirit and color in English literature.
The age of Chaucer was the first transitional period in English literature because it was the meeting period of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Similarly the age of Dr Johnson is a period of transition during the 18th century because this age saw a clash between classism and romanticism. Hence it is held as the transitional age.
A Period of Double Tendencies:
The second half of the 18th century is rather confused, disturbed because it is very difficult to find out the exact differences between the two tendencies available during this period - classism and romanticism. However both these tendencies can be seen from 1745 to 1798. We find that some writers are still following classical rules of writing literature. Literature produced by Alexander Pope, Dr Samuel Johnson and others is purely classical in nature. But on the other hand, romanticism is clearly visible in the literature of Oliver Goldsmith, Thomas Gray and William Blake.
Beginning of Romanticism - James Thomson:
During the age of transition we find romantic reaction against the old classical order. There is a gradual decline of Classicism and rise of Romanticism. It actually started in 1730 when Thomson's collection of poems called 'The Seasons' was published. In these poems, we find a change from classism to romanticism. Thus, some critics believe that Thomson heralded the beginning of neo romanticism in English literature.
Characteristics of the Age of Transition:
Now let us examine the chief characteristics of transitional age.
New Learning:
This age saw love for new learning. There was a revival of romantic elements in Literature.
Research into ancient literary forms led to the introduction of old poetic forms of ballad in English literature.
New books on old writers like Shakespeare and Chaucer were published. These books became largely popular and as a result, romanticism of Shakespeare cripped into English literature.
Percy Bishop's book called 'Reliques' (1765) contained the oldest romantic ballads which influenced the current poets and thus, the spirit of romanticism started during this period.
New Philosophy:
We find new thinking and philosophy in the works of French writers who influenced the English writers of this age. The Scottish philosopher Hume introduced the new philosophy of reasoning in the society. He also influenced the literature of this age. Thus, the literature moved from realism to reasoning.
Historical and Lexicographical Research:
The growth of research in the field of history of English literature and lexicography of English language was an outstanding feature of transitional age. The study of the history of English literature needed intensive research which was done by Goldsmith and Dr. Johnson. Moreover, the first dictionary also appeared in England in 1755. Dr. Johnson became the father of English lexicography with the publication of the first dictionary of English language.
New Realism:
One of the most significant characteristics of this age was new realism. Novel was a dominant form of this age. The fiction of this age reflected new kind of realism which was different from that of the restoration age. During the transitional age, domestic life, women, family problems etc were at the centre. The novelists like Richardson and Fielding depicted real domestic life and gave social picture with reality. This realism was different from the restoration age in the sense that there was no immorality and superficiality of the urban life. Instead they dived deep into the genuine conflicts of domestic life.
Romantic Tendency:
Most of the writers of transitional age followed the traditional classical order under the influence of Pope and Dryden. However there was a tendency towards romanticism which was later on visible during the romantic revival. The following features show their tendency for new romanticism.
The writers of the age love not the bookish nature but the real nature of the earth and air.
New relation between man and nature was established.
The writers became sympathetic for the poor and the wretched.
Humanitarianism was visible in the works of Blake, Gray, Cowper, Burns etc.
The poets of this age reacted against the traditional practice of writing poetry in Heroic couplets.
Love for supernatural elements, ancient legends and mediaeval atmosphere was visible.
Prominent Predecessors of Romantic Revival:
The age of romantic revival started from 1798. But actually the seeds of romanticism were sowed during the transitional period. Following were the prominent poets who became the predecessors of new romanticism.
James Thomson:
Thomson belonged to the first half of the 18th century. But he escaped from the influence of Pope. He published a collection of poems called 'The Seasons' which was a landmark in the history of English Poetry. Here we find his love for nature. Wordsworth was much influenced by his poetry.
Thomas Gray:
Gray is known for his odes and elegies. His famous poem 'In a Country Churchyard' is one of the greatest elegies of English literature. Here the poet has mourned the brevity of life. The poet says that death is a leveler and in the grave all become equal.
William Collins:
Callings is a great lyricist of transitional age. His odes and lyrics are full of imagination and emotions. A sense of melancholy pervades all his works. His popular odes are 'Ode to Pity' 'Ode to Evening' 'Ode to Simplicity' 'Ode to Fear' etc.
Robert Burns:
He was a Scottish farmer who later on became the national poet of Scotland. He is remembered for his nature and love poems.
"My love Is like A Red Red Rose
That's newly sprung in June
My love Is like a melody
That's newly played in tune."
The above lines from Burns' poetry have become immortal in English literature.
William Blake:
Black is one of the most outstanding mystical poets of English literature. He inspired Wordsworth and Coleridge. Hiss poetry is spontaneous and effortless. He loves all objects of nature. In one of his poems 'The Tiger' he finds the fire of God in in the tiger's eyes.
Conclusion:
Thus, the age of transition has two mixed tendencies which created conflict and confusion. Both classicism and romanticism are found in the literature of this period. In fact, there was a gradual shift from old order to new freedom. That is why; it is called the transitional age. Here we can see the decline of old classism and realism and the birth of new romanticism. De facto, the great romantic poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley and Keats were much inspired and influenced by the poets who were writing during the transitional age.
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