Secularization in Pastoral Elegy: From Sacred Nature to Liberal Selves Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

This thesis will show how pastoral elegy evolved and adapted different ideologies from the Renaissance to the Romantic period. Max Weber and Charles Taylor's understanding of secularization will offer fresh lenses on how religion and secularization's role have transformed the pastoral genre. Revisiting pastoral elegy with the knowledge of secularization, disenchantment, and enchantment provides a fresh lens through which to read the pastoral genre. Secularization in pastoral elegies is a response to the gradual decline of religious authority after the Enlightenment era. As scientific reasoning, individualism, and skepticism of traditional beliefs grew, poets began questioning the religious beliefs that had once provided meaning and comfort in life and death. During this process, the poets are unable to understand death, question their religion, and discover new ways of coping with loss. By analyzing chosen pastoral elegies in detail, this thesis will show subtleties and complexities along the secular process that are not usually acknowledged. Specifically, my analysis will explore how secularization redistributes power concerning liberalism, individualism, pluralism, materialism, and various theological ideas.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Age of Spiritual Ruins

Chapter One: The Lament For Pan: From Pagan Chaos to Christian Consolation

Chapter Two: Arcadias Lost: Milton's Pre-Secularism in Grand Style and Plain Style

Chapter Three: A Defence of Elegy: Romantic Re-Enchantment in the Secular Desolation

Epilogue: No More Elegies Today in a Secular Age

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	English
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Literature, Classical Literature, Comparative Philosophy
Palabra Clave	shelley secularization pastoral elegy milton
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Ross Knecht , Emory University
Committee Members	Joshua Brorby , Emory University Emily Master, Emory University

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