Neoclassical writers incorporated classical influences by emulating Greek and Roman literary forms, themes, and ideals. This signified a reverence for the perceived moral and aesthetic superiority of classical art, aligning with the Neoclassical belief in art's capacity to instruct and elevate society. Writers like Pope utilized classical themes such as human limitations and societal order, while others, like Dryden, maintained mimesis in drama by adhering to the classical unities. This classical emulation underscored Neoclassicism's preference for rationalism, balance, and moral didacticism, reflecting the movement's Enlightenment foundations .

Satire was a key mode of critique in Neoclassical literature, effectively exposing societal follies and vices through polished and witty verse. It served as a vehicle for authors to address and critique social, political, and moral issues, aligning with the movement's emphasis on rationalism and moral purpose. By employing satire, writers like Jonathan Swift in "Gulliver’s Travels" could offer humorous yet piercing critiques of human nature and society, thus reinforcing the instructive and ethical objectives of Neoclassical art .

Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson both made significant contributions to Neoclassical literature but utilized distinct techniques and modes. Pope is renowned for his mastery of the heroic couplet and for using wit and satire, exemplified in works like "The Rape of the Lock" and "Essay on Criticism," where he advocated for rational analysis and criticized artistic pretension. His work often adhered to classical models with clear, symmetrical structures. Johnson, on the other hand, was a key literary figure during the Age of Johnson, contributing essays, criticism, and lexicons like "Dictionary of the English Language." His work, such as "Rasselas," emphasized moral and philosophical lessons with clear expression, reflecting the period's intellectual rigor. Both engaged deeply with society’s moral landscape, but Pope often did so through poetic critique, while Johnson’s approach was more analytical and lexicographic .

Neoclassical literature's emphasis on order and symmetry is manifested in both its forms and themes. Literary structures adhered to balance and decorum, with genres like poetry frequently using the heroic couplet to create rhythmic and structured verse. Thematic content often explored human limitations, social order, and moral discipline, aligning with the Neoclassical values of rationalism and intellectual control. Furthermore, the classical unities of time, place, and action in drama highlight the structured narrative approach, while thematic reflections on societal order and rational thought emphasize the movement's foundational principles .

The Age of Enlightenment profoundly impacted Neoclassical literature by grounding it in reason, empirical thought, and moral instruction, differing significantly from earlier movements such as the Renaissance. Renaissance literature celebrated human potential and creativity, while Neoclassicism emphasized human fallibility, societal order, and the moral function of art. Enlightenment principles steered Neoclassical writers towards intellectual control and scientific rationalism, promoting literature that explored human behavior within a rational and morally instructive framework. This marked a shift from the Renaissance's idealistic and expansive humanism, reflecting a concentrated focus on clarity, balance, and societal roles within literature .

Neoclassicism's rejection of Baroque's emotionalism and complexity is evident in its preference for restraint, clarity, and natural elegance. This manifested in literary styles that emphasized ordered structures, such as the use of the heroic couplet and adherence to classical unities in drama. Themes focused on societal order, rationalism, and moral discipline, avoiding the ornate and emotional expressiveness characteristic of the Baroque. Neoclassical literature sought clarity of expression and precision while promoting intellectual and moral instruction, contrasting with the Baroque emphasis on emotive and decorative richness .

Neoclassicism's philosophical and intellectual foundations were deeply intertwined with Enlightenment values, emphasizing order, rationalism, and moral purpose. The movement reacted against the Renaissance's view of man as inherently good and infinitely perfectible, proposing instead that humans are flawed and limited, relying on reason and common sense. This reflects Enlightenment ideals through empirical thinking and rational inquiry. Art during this period was pragmatic, meant to instruct and correct, promoting societal and moral functions, aligning with the Enlightenment’s focus on reason, balance, order, and decorum .

Neoclassical literature emphasized the social context by viewing man as a social being bound by rules and obligations. It often addressed social norms, institutions, and responsibilities, portraying individuals as part of a larger social fabric. This perspective reinforced the importance of order and decorum within society and underscored the literature's moral and didactic purpose, aiming to promote civic responsibility and instruct the audience on societal roles .

The Neoclassical period spanned from 1660 to 1785, beginning with the Restoration of the Monarchy in England and concluding with the death of Dr. Samuel Johnson. A reaction to the extravagance of the Baroque and the emotionalism of the Renaissance, Neoclassicism embraced Enlightenment values: reason, balance, order, and decorum. This historical context influenced literature by fostering a literary environment that prized rationalism over emotion, promoting literature with social and moral functions. The political stability and intellectual climate of the period encouraged the development of new literary forms, such as the essay and the realistic novel, which addressed contemporary concerns and Enlightenment ideals .

Neoclassicism faced criticisms for its rigidity, adherence to strict artistic rules, perceived elitist tone, and the prioritization of reason over emotional depth. Critics argued that these aspects stifled creativity and made the literature inaccessible to broader audiences. These critiques paved the way for Romanticism, which counteracted Neoclassical constraints by celebrating emotion, individualism, and nature. Romanticism’s emphasis on personal expression and spontaneity directly opposed Neoclassical restraint, fostering a literary environment that valued intuitive and imaginative exploration. This transition reflects a broader philosophical and cultural shift away from Enlightenment rationalism towards more subjective and varied artistic expressions .