Defining classicism

The chapter describes the origins of the classical style, arguing that its elaboration involved experimentation rather than strict adherence to rules. It considers the contribution of three major theorists of the period to norms of language and style, exploring why in the end none could impose a single method. The chapter discusses the culture of literary quarrels, often conducted in witty poetic exchanges and staged comedies. Literary quarrels were a process taking place in the 1750s–1810s which helped stabilize conventions of taste and practice. The chapter features a case study that explains the creation of modern verse in Russia, detailing the basic aspects of prosody and the new metrical system.