Which poet is best known as a central figure of the neoclassical era and for his use of heroic couplets?

• A. Alexander Pope
• B. John Dryden
• C. Samuel Johnson
• D. George Gordon

Answer: (D)

Neoclassical poetry emphasizes order, balance, wit, and clear form, and the heroic couplet—two rhymed lines in iambic pentameter—became the hallmark device for delivering polished, moral, or satirical argument. Alexander Pope is the quintessential figure of this tradition, famed for mastering the heroic couplet and using it to craft tightly argued, refined verse that defines Augustan taste. His works show how the rhythm and paired lines create a smooth, persuasive momentum ideal for satire, critique, and moral commentary. While Dryden contributed to the era and used similar forms, Pope’s sustained mastery and iconic status in neoclassical verse set him apart as the central representative. Samuel Johnson is known more for prose and criticism than for heroic couplets, and George Gordon Byron belongs to the Romantic era, not the neoclassical one. So the best answer is Alexander Pope.