13.1 Historical Context of the Restoration Period
3 min read•july 24, 2024
The era marked a dramatic shift in England's political and cultural landscape. With the monarchy restored in 1660, society embraced newfound freedoms, leading to a revival of theater and a more secular outlook. This period saw the rise of coffee houses as intellectual hubs and the growth of scientific inquiry.
Literature during the Restoration reflected these changes, with a focus on wit, humor, and social commentary. New forms emerged, including and heroic drama, while journalism and the novel began to take shape. Key figures like and shaped the literary scene of this transformative period.
Political and Social Landscape of the Restoration
Political and social changes in Restoration
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- Monarchy restored in 1660 ended Puritan rule and Commonwealth period brought King Charles II back from exile
- Censorship and moral restrictions relaxed reopened theaters previously closed by Puritans led to rise of comedies and satires reflecting new social freedoms
- Society became more secular decreased religious themes in literature increased focus on wit, humor, and social commentary
- Coffee houses gained importance as intellectual hubs influenced development of periodicals and essays (, )
- Scientific inquiry and grew Royal Society founded in 1660 impacted literary style favoring clarity and precision (Robert Boyle, Isaac Newton)
Key events and figures of Restoration
- of London (1665-1666) influenced themes of mortality in literature ('s "A Journal of the Plague Year")
- Great Fire of London (1666) sparked rebuilding efforts and architectural innovations (St. Paul's Cathedral)
- Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652-1674) influenced political themes in literature (Andrew Marvell's "The Character of Holland")
- (1688) established constitutional monarchy limited royal power
- Literary figures shaped era:
- John Dryden first Poet Laureate of England wrote influential plays and poems
- diarist provided insights into Restoration life through detailed personal accounts
- Aphra Behn first professional female writer in English pioneered novel form
- Political figures impacted society:
- King Charles II "The Merry Monarch" known for hedonistic court
- James II brief reign ended by Glorious Revolution due to Catholic sympathies
- William III and Mary II joint monarchs after Glorious Revolution strengthened Parliament's power
Literary Developments in the Restoration
Shift in Restoration literary tastes
- Drama revived:
- Restoration comedy focused on manners, wit, and social satire ('s "The Country Wife")
- Heroic drama emphasized grand themes and noble characters (John Dryden's "All for Love")
- New poetic forms developed:
- popularized by John Dryden became dominant verse form
- satirically used epic conventions ('s "The Rape of the Lock")
- Journalism and periodical essays emerged influenced by coffee house culture developed more direct, conversational prose style
- Translation and adaptation of classical works increased John Dryden translated Virgil and Ovid
- Novel as literary form rose early examples by Aphra Behn ("Oroonoko") and Daniel Defoe ("Robinson Crusoe")
- Metaphysical poetry declined shifted towards more accessible and less complex poetic styles
- French literature and criticism influenced English writing emphasized decorum and adherence to classical rules
Key Terms to Review (24)
Absalom and Achitophel: Absalom and Achitophel is a satirical poem by John Dryden, published in 1681, that uses biblical characters to comment on the political turmoil of Restoration England. The poem reflects the conflicts between royalists and republicans during this period, drawing parallels between King David’s son Absalom’s rebellion and the contemporary struggles for power in England.
Alexander Pope: Alexander Pope was an influential 18th-century English poet known for his satirical verse and mastery of the heroic couplet. He played a crucial role in shaping the literary landscape during the Restoration and Enlightenment periods, using his sharp wit to critique society and human nature. His works reflect both personal and broader societal themes, making him a central figure in major satirical literature.
Aphra Behn: Aphra Behn was a pioneering English playwright, poet, and novelist of the Restoration period, recognized as one of the first professional female writers in England. Her works reflect the social, political, and cultural transformations of her time, particularly the emergence of the comedy of manners and the early novel form, making her a crucial figure in British literature.
Augustan Literature: Augustan literature refers to the body of English literature produced during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, marked by a focus on satire, social commentary, and a return to classical ideals following the Restoration. This period is characterized by a blend of wit and elegance, reflecting the political and social climate of the time, as well as an emphasis on reason and order in response to the chaos of previous eras.
Daniel Defoe: Daniel Defoe was an English writer and journalist, best known for his novel 'Robinson Crusoe,' which is often regarded as one of the first modern novels. His work marked a significant turning point in literature, as he introduced a new narrative style that combined realism with fiction, reflecting the cultural and historical changes of his time.
Dramatic Irony: Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters in the story. This creates tension and engagement, as viewers anticipate the characters' reactions when they discover the truth. It’s often used to enhance humor in comedies or to deepen the emotional impact in tragedies, making it a key tool in storytelling.
Empiricism: Empiricism is a philosophical theory which asserts that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. This perspective emphasizes observation and experimentation as the basis for understanding the world, contrasting with rationalism, which prioritizes reason and innate ideas. In the context of specific historical periods, empiricism played a crucial role in shaping intellectual thought and literary expression, influencing how writers approached themes of reason, nature, and human experience.
Gender roles: Gender roles are the social and behavioral norms that are considered appropriate for individuals of a specific gender within a given culture or society. These roles often dictate how individuals should behave, dress, and interact based on their perceived gender identity, influencing their experiences and opportunities. Understanding gender roles helps in analyzing literature as they reveal underlying societal expectations and can often highlight conflicts and challenges faced by characters in various narratives.
Glorious Revolution: The Glorious Revolution refers to the bloodless overthrow of King James II of England in 1688, leading to the establishment of William and Mary as co-sovereigns. This event marked a significant turning point in British history, resulting in the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and significantly shaping the political landscape of the Restoration period.
Great Plague: The Great Plague refers to the devastating outbreak of bubonic plague that struck London in 1665-1666, resulting in the death of approximately 100,000 people, which was about a quarter of the city's population at the time. This catastrophic event significantly influenced the social, cultural, and literary landscape of the Restoration Period, leading to changes in attitudes towards public health and governance.
Heroic couplet: A heroic couplet is a pair of rhymed lines in iambic pentameter, often used in English poetry to convey a sense of completeness and rhythm. This form is particularly significant in epic poetry, where it helps to elevate the language and themes, while also lending a musical quality that enhances the overall experience of the narrative.
John Dryden: John Dryden was a prominent English poet, playwright, and critic who served as the first Poet Laureate of England. His work is often associated with the Restoration period, reflecting the cultural and political shifts following the Civil War, and he played a crucial role in shaping the literary landscape of his time.
Mock-epic: A mock-epic is a satirical literary form that employs the grandiose style and conventions of epic poetry to treat trivial subjects or events. This genre often uses humor, exaggeration, and irony to critique or lampoon its subjects, effectively highlighting the disparity between the elevated style and the mundane content.
Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a revival of classical ideals from ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasized reason, clarity, and order, reflecting Enlightenment values and reacting against the emotionalism of the preceding Baroque period. This movement influenced many major authors and works during the Restoration and beyond, shaping literary forms and themes.
Political satire: Political satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock political figures, institutions, and societal issues. This form of satire has the power to shape public opinion and provoke thought about governance, morality, and civic duty, often emerging during periods of political upheaval or societal change.
Rationalism: Rationalism is a philosophical belief that reason and intellect are the primary sources of knowledge, emphasizing the use of logic and scientific reasoning over religious dogma or emotional influence. This approach gained prominence during a period of social and political upheaval, where thinkers sought to understand the world through rational inquiry, leading to advancements in science, philosophy, and literature.
Restoration: Restoration refers to the period in English history that began in 1660 when the monarchy was reestablished under King Charles II after a decade of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell. This era marked a significant cultural and political shift, characterized by the revival of arts, literature, and theater, as well as a renewed interest in science and philosophy.
Restoration Comedy: Restoration Comedy refers to a genre of English drama that emerged in the late 17th century following the restoration of Charles II to the throne in 1660. This form of comedy is characterized by its witty dialogue, satirical examination of social norms, and focus on themes of love, marriage, and class. Restoration Comedies often featured strong, independent characters and explored the complexities of human relationships in a society adjusting to new cultural freedoms after years of Puritan rule.
Samuel Pepys: Samuel Pepys was an English naval administrator and Member of Parliament known for his diary, which provides a firsthand account of significant historical events in 17th-century England. His writings reflect the cultural, political, and social changes during the Civil War and the Restoration period, making him a key figure in understanding the evolution of literature during these times.
The Rover: The Rover is a comedic play written by Aphra Behn in the late 17th century that explores themes of love, gender roles, and social norms during the Restoration Period. This play is significant as it highlights the era's cultural shift towards more liberated views of sexuality and gender, setting the stage for the development of Restoration drama and the Comedy of Manners, which often showcased witty dialogues and complex social interactions among the upper classes.
The spectator: The spectator refers to an individual or audience member who observes and engages with art, literature, and cultural practices. In the context of the Restoration and Enlightenment periods, the idea of the spectator highlights the growing importance of public opinion and individual experience, as well as the emerging cultural spaces where people gathered to discuss and critique various forms of artistic expression.
The Tatler: The Tatler was a British periodical founded in 1709 by Richard Steele, known for its blend of gossip, social commentary, and literary criticism. It played a vital role in the Restoration period by reflecting and shaping the cultural landscape, especially as it catered to the rising coffee house culture that encouraged discussion among literary circles and the public.
Theater censorship: Theater censorship refers to the practice of restricting or regulating the content of theatrical performances, often to protect social norms, political stability, or moral values. This form of censorship has a significant history, especially during the Restoration period when new theatrical forms emerged and faced scrutiny from authorities concerned about public morality and political dissent.
William Wycherley: William Wycherley was a prominent English playwright of the Restoration period, best known for his witty comedies that satirize the manners and morals of his time. His work exemplifies the features of Restoration drama and is particularly associated with the Comedy of Manners genre, which focuses on the behavior and relationships of the upper class, often highlighting their hypocrisy and social pretensions.