Jean Hytier and June Guicharnaud, ―The Classicism of The Classics

 Jean Hytier and June Guicharnaud, ―The Classicism of The Classics‖, Yale French Studies, No. 38, The Classical Line: Essays in Honor of Henri Peyre (1967) 5-17

Jean Hytier and June Guicharnaud’s essay “The Classicism of The Classics” (Yale French Studies, No. 38, 1967) discusses the enduring qualities of classical works and their relevance to modern aesthetics and thought. Here’s an analysis of the key points covered in pages 5–17:

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1. Definition of Classicism

• Classicism is described as a set of principles rooted in order, balance, harmony, and clarity.
• The essay highlights the classical works' adherence to universal truths and their focus on human nature and rationality.

Key Idea: Classical art aims to achieve timelessness by transcending the specificities of its time and culture.

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2. The Universality of Classical Works

• The authors argue that classical works maintain their appeal across centuries because they address universal human experiences and emotions.
• Classicism emphasizes simplicity and the pursuit of perfection, which resonate with audiences regardless of their historical or cultural context.

Example:

• Works like Racine’s Phèdre or Sophocles’ Antigone explore themes of love, guilt, and fate, which remain relevant to contemporary audiences.

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3. Rationality and Restraint

• A hallmark of classicism is its focus on reason over emotion. The essay underscores the disciplined and structured approach of classical artists and writers.
• Emotions in classical works are not suppressed but are expressed with restraint and dignity.

Key Contrast:

• This rationality is juxtaposed with the excess and subjectivity of Romanticism, emphasizing the controlled expression in classical art.

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4. Aesthetic Ideals

• Classical art seeks symmetry, proportion, and coherence, rejecting extravagance and disorder.
• These ideals are visible in the structured forms of classical architecture, literature, and drama.

Example:

• In literature, the unities of time, place, and action in classical drama reflect this quest for harmony and coherence.

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5. Influence of Antiquity

• The essay explores how classical works draw inspiration from Greco-Roman art and philosophy.
• Renaissance and Enlightenment thinkers revived classical ideals, integrating them into their works.

Key Thinkers:

• Figures like Boileau, Corneille, and Molière are cited as examples of writers who embodied classical principles in their art.

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6. Permanence and Evolution

• While rooted in timeless principles, classicism has evolved to adapt to changing cultural and intellectual landscapes.
• The essay suggests that classicism’s adaptability contributes to its longevity and continued influence.

Example:

• Modern reinterpretations of classical themes and forms demonstrate how they can be renewed without losing their essence.

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7. Criticism and Relevance

• The authors address critiques of classicism, such as its perceived rigidity or elitism.
• They argue that classicism’s emphasis on universal values ensures its relevance, especially in a world often marked by chaos and fragmentation.

Key Insight:

• Classicism’s order and rationality serve as a counterbalance to the uncertainties of modern life.

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Conclusion

Hytier and Guicharnaud present classicism as a dynamic and enduring framework that balances tradition with innovation. Its focus on universality, rationality, and aesthetic perfection has ensured its relevance and influence across centuries. By bridging past and present, classicism continues to shape artistic and intellectual discourse.