Literature Glossary
Don’t be an oxymoron. Know your literary terms.
Over 200 literary terms, Shmooped to perfection.
Baroque
Definition:
Less is more.
Er, except for writers of baroque literature. For these guys and gals, more is more.
Baroque literature is characterized by extravagance and excess; its authors never met a literary device they couldn't use. Similes, metaphors, and hyperbole? Throw 'em all in. Flowery language? Bring on the petals. Baroque authors stuff their work with more ornate language and flashy writing maneuvers than a fat scarecrow with straw.
The baroque style was at its bedazzled peak from the late 16th century to the late 17th century—in other words, nestled right between the Renaissance and the Enlightenment—and two of its showiest showman were the French playwright Molière and the English poet John Milton.
This fall on NBC, Molière and Milton fight boring prose one elaborate simile at a time. It's Goin' for Baroque! Thursdays at 8:30/7:30 central.