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Basic Concepts: Contrasting Neo-Classical and Romantic Motifs 
Key values and principles distinguish the Neo-classical and Romantic world views.  Some are in direct opposition and define the discrete differences between the two perspectives. 
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Neo-classicism
Romanticism
 
1) importance of form and order; individual responsibility to society 1) importance of free expression; integrity of the individual
2) rule-governed life 2) freedom of judgment and will
3) supremacy of reason (reflection, logic) 3) supremacy of intuition (imagination)
4) the reign of order and restraint 4) the reign of chaos and passion
5) the immutability of natural law 5) the constant flux in nature
6) freedom of the social man 6) freedom of the individual
7) style set by decorum 7) style set by flamboyance and abandon
8) evil the product of blindness on the part of people to natural law 8) evil innate in some people; inherent in social institutions
9) regularity in natural order; logic in the laws of nature 9) chance and random results as the product of the laws of nature
10) Language of literature should be dignified because it should reflect the highest ideals in human experience. 10) Language of literature should be natural  speech of the common man about  whose lives, affairs, and aspirations  literature should reflect since they are the more representative of the life of the race.
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Online Connections
For a similar similar of conflicting motifs, see Dr. M. Hudelson's "Study Guide."
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This page was last modified on August 27, 2004,
and is maintained by Dr. Geoffrey A. Grimes.
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