Final Answer:
The dominant literary mode of the neoclassical period is A. Satire
Explanation:
The dominant literary mode of the Neoclassical period was Satire, which emphasized reason, order, and clarity in literature. This period, spanning from the late 17th to the early 19th century, marked a return to classical ideals and forms in literature, art, and philosophy.
Neoclassical writers sought to emulate the works of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and as such, they favored forms that emphasized reason, order, and clarity. Satire, with its emphasis on rational critique and moral improvement, was the perfect mode for this purpose.
During the Neoclassical period, satire became more sophisticated and nuanced, often taking the form of irony, sarcasm, and wit. Writers such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift used satire to critique social and political issues, but they also employed it to promote the values of reason, balance, and self-control. These values were central to Neoclassical literature and culture.
In contrast, the other options listed - Romance, Realism, and Tragedy - were not the dominant literary modes of the Neoclassical period. While some Neoclassical writers did explore these genres, they were not the primary focus of the movement. Romance, with its emphasis on adventure and fantasy, was seen as too fanciful and unrealistic for the Neoclassical sensibility. Realism, which emerged later in the 19th century, focused on depicting the world as it truly was, without idealization or moralizing. Tragedy, while it did have a place in Neoclassical literature, was not the dominant mode, as satire was.
Correct option is A. Satire