The Glorious Revolution

Definition

The Glorious Revolution was a significant event in English history occurring in 1688, where King James II was overthrown and replaced by William of Orange and his wife Mary II. This bloodless coup marked the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy, laying the groundwork for the modern British political system and influencing various aspects of literature and society during the Restoration and early eighteenth century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glorious Revolution was largely motivated by fears of Catholic absolutism under King James II, leading to widespread support for a Protestant succession.
2. William of Orange's arrival in England with an army was met with little resistance, marking the event as 'glorious' due to its non-violent nature.
3. The revolution resulted in the establishment of the Bill of Rights 1689, which limited the powers of the monarchy and laid the foundation for parliamentary democracy.
4. After the revolution, literature began to reflect changing attitudes towards authority and governance, paving the way for new genres such as the novel.
5. The Glorious Revolution influenced key literary figures like John Locke, whose ideas about government and individual rights shaped political thought in the early modern period.

Review Questions

• How did the Glorious Revolution influence the rise of new literary forms such as the novel during this period?
  • The Glorious Revolution encouraged writers to explore themes related to individual rights, authority, and social contract theories, particularly through character-driven narratives. This shift in perspective led to an increased interest in personal stories and experiences, which became central to the novel as a genre. As authors began to reflect societal changes stemming from the revolution, literature evolved to address complex human emotions and moral dilemmas, making it more relatable and accessible to readers.
• In what ways did the Glorious Revolution impact women's voices in literature, especially concerning authors like Aphra Behn?
  • The Glorious Revolution created a cultural environment that began to question traditional gender roles and authority. This shift allowed female writers like Aphra Behn to gain recognition as professional authors who could engage with societal issues. Behn's work often reflected her unique perspective on love, power, and identity, which resonated with readers during a time when women were seeking greater representation and agency in both literature and society.
• Evaluate how the principles established by the Glorious Revolution are reflected in the works of John Dryden and Alexander Pope regarding modern literary criticism.
  • The principles established by the Glorious Revolution, particularly concerning individual rights and questioning authority, are evident in Dryden's and Pope's writings. Dryden's criticism often emphasized reasoned judgment over blind adherence to tradition, reflecting revolutionary ideas about governance. Similarly, Pope's satirical works critique social norms and institutions while advocating for a balanced approach to human behavior. Their approaches laid groundwork for modern literary criticism by encouraging readers to engage critically with texts and consider their broader societal implications.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government in which a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or legislative body, ensuring that sovereignty resides with the parliament rather than the crown.

Bill of Rights 1689: An act passed by Parliament that set out certain rights of the subjects and clarified the limits of royal power, establishing key principles that would shape modern democracy.

Toleration Act 1689: Legislation that allowed freedom of worship to nonconformists, thereby promoting religious tolerance and setting a precedent for individual rights in England.