EXAM - English literature 2
26. Augustan patriotism and a drive to forge an authentic English national culture
Theme to dominate the 18th C: creation of a British national cultural tradition, equal if not better than
Greek and Roman. Scientific revolution: superiority of Moderns against the Ancients. Drive towards
national cultural identity stimulated by political opponents of Walpole, deep desiire to establish the
country’s cultural credentials against France (wars with France). Defeat of France in Seeven years War ->
unprecedented efflorescence of new-found confidence in country’s cultural potential. Scots and English had
for 1st time fought side by side for common British cause. As century goes on emerges belief that strength
of British culture lay not in a monolithic uniformity but in its very diversity. People with mixed descent had
to hace culture with elements mixed: elegance of Latinity, Germanic sense of liberty, French grace, Celtic
perfection
annaabi.ee 
