Rather than focusing on the feats of ancient heroes and gods, they propagated a new style of poetry through stories that operated on a smaller scale in regard to themes and setting.
[2][3][4] Influenced by the Greek Hellenistic poets, the Neoterics rejected traditional social and literary norms.
Their poetry is characterized by tight construction, a playful use of genre, punning, and complex allusions.
Some Neoteric stylistic features can also be seen in the works of Vergil, who was a generation younger than the poetae novi.
The Neoterics were occasionally the subject of scorn from older and more traditionally minded Romans, such as Cicero.