📖Restoration Literature Unit 4 – Satire and Social Critique

What's Satire Anyway?

• Satire is a literary genre that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues
• Satirical works often aim to improve society by highlighting its flaws and encouraging change through wit and clever commentary
• Satire can be found in various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama, as well as in other media such as cartoons, films, and television shows
• The two main types of satire are Horatian (gentle, urbane, and sympathetic) and Juvenalian (bitter, angry, and often abrasive)
  • Horatian satire is named after the Roman satirist Horace and tends to be more playful and less harsh in its criticism
  • Juvenalian satire, named after the Roman poet Juvenal, is more biting and often employs dark humor or sarcasm to attack its targets
• Effective satire requires a deep understanding of the subject matter being criticized and the ability to use language and humor to expose the truth behind the façade
• Satirists often use techniques such as irony, parody, and hyperbole to make their points and engage their audience
• The purpose of satire is not merely to entertain but to provoke thought and encourage critical thinking about important issues

Historical Context: Restoration England

• The Restoration period in England (1660-1688) followed the end of the English Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II
• This era was marked by a significant shift in social, political, and cultural norms, as well as a reaction against the strict Puritan rule of the previous decades
• The reopening of theaters, which had been closed during the Puritan era, led to a resurgence of drama and the development of new dramatic genres, including the comedy of manners
• The Restoration court was known for its libertinism, excess, and moral laxity, which provided ample material for satirists to critique
• The rise of coffee houses and the increasing availability of printed materials contributed to the spread of ideas and the growth of a more literate and politically engaged public
• Religious and political tensions continued to simmer beneath the surface, with conflicts between Anglicans, Puritans, and Catholics, as well as between the monarchy and Parliament
• The Restoration period also saw the development of new scientific and philosophical ideas, including the work of Isaac Newton and John Locke, which challenged traditional ways of thinking
• Satirical works of this era often targeted the vices and follies of the aristocracy, the excesses of the court, and the hypocrisy of religious and political figures

Key Satirical Works and Authors

• "The Country Wife" (1675) by William Wycherley: A bawdy Restoration comedy that satirizes the sexual double standards and hypocrisy of the era
• "Absalom and Achitophel" (1681) by John Dryden: A political satire in verse that uses biblical allegory to comment on the Exclusion Crisis and the political intrigues of the time
• "The Rehearsal" (1671) by George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham: A satirical play that parodies the heroic dramas of the era and their bombastic language and convoluted plots
• "The Shortest Way with the Dissenters" (1702) by Daniel Defoe: A pamphlet that satirically proposes the persecution of religious dissenters, ironically highlighting the dangers of intolerance
• "Gulliver's Travels" (1726) by Jonathan Swift: A prose satire that uses the fantastical journeys of its protagonist to critique various aspects of human nature and society
• "The Way of the World" (1700) by William Congreve: A comedy of manners that satirizes the marriage market and the superficiality of Restoration society
• "The Dunciad" (1728) by Alexander Pope: A mock-heroic poem that satirizes the dullness and stupidity of Pope's literary rivals and the decline of culture in general
• "Marriage à-la-Mode" (1673) by John Dryden: A comedy that satirizes the arranged marriages of the aristocracy and the resulting marital strife and infidelity

Techniques and Tools of Satire

• Irony: Satirists often use verbal irony (saying the opposite of what is meant) or situational irony (when the outcome is contrary to what was expected) to expose the gap between appearance and reality
  • For example, in "A Modest Proposal," Swift ironically proposes cannibalism as a solution to poverty and overpopulation
• Parody: Satirical works may imitate the style or content of another work or genre to mock or criticize it
  • "The Rehearsal" parodies the heroic dramas of the era, exaggerating their grandiose language and improbable plots for comic effect
• Exaggeration and hyperbole: Satirists often overstate or magnify the flaws or vices they are targeting to make their point more effectively
  • In "Gulliver's Travels," the tiny Lilliputians and the giant Brobdingnagians serve as exaggerated mirrors of human nature and society
• Caricature: Satirical works may present exaggerated or distorted portraits of real people or types to highlight their flaws or follies
  • The characters in Restoration comedies often represent caricatures of social types, such as the fop, the rake, or the country bumpkin
• Juxtaposition and contrast: Satirists may place incongruous elements side by side to create a comic or ironic effect and to underscore the absurdity of a situation
  • In "The Way of the World," the contrast between the witty, fashionable characters and the bumbling, old-fashioned ones highlights the superficiality of Restoration society
• Wit and wordplay: Satirical works often rely on clever language, puns, and double entendres to engage the reader and to make their critiques more memorable
  • The dialogue in Restoration comedies is known for its witty repartee and sexual innuendo, which both entertains and exposes the characters' vices
• Allegory and symbolism: Satirists may use fictional characters, settings, or events to represent real-world people, places, or issues
  • In "Absalom and Achitophel," Dryden uses biblical figures to represent contemporary political figures and events

Social Issues Under the Microscope

• Sexual politics and gender roles: Restoration satire often critiqued the sexual double standards and power dynamics between men and women
  • In "The Country Wife," Wycherley exposes the hypocrisy of a society that condemns female infidelity while celebrating male promiscuity
• Marriage and domesticity: Satirical works frequently targeted the institution of marriage, arranged marriages, and the resulting power struggles and infidelities
  • "Marriage à-la-Mode" satirizes the loveless marriages of convenience among the aristocracy and the resulting chaos and unhappiness
• Class and social hierarchy: Restoration satire often mocked the pretensions and follies of the upper classes while also exposing the realities of poverty and social inequality
  • "The Dunciad" satirizes the literary establishment and the patronage system that rewarded mediocrity and connections over true talent
• Politics and governance: Satirists used their works to comment on political events, criticize corrupt or incompetent leaders, and expose abuses of power
  • "Absalom and Achitophel" uses biblical allegory to satirize the political intrigues and power struggles of the Exclusion Crisis
• Religion and morality: Restoration satire often targeted religious hypocrisy, fanaticism, and moral double standards
  • "The Shortest Way with the Dissenters" ironically exposes the dangers of religious intolerance and persecution
• Intellectual and cultural life: Satirical works also critiqued the state of learning, literature, and the arts, often bemoaning the decline of wit and the rise of dullness
  • "The Rehearsal" mocks the formulaic and bombastic nature of heroic drama, suggesting a need for more original and nuanced works
• Colonialism and empire: Some satirical works, particularly later in the period, began to question the morality and consequences of British imperialism
  • "Gulliver's Travels" satirizes European colonialism and cultural chauvinism through its depiction of the Lilliputians and the Houyhnhnms

Impact and Reception of Satirical Works

• Satirical works often sparked controversy and debate, as they challenged the status quo and exposed uncomfortable truths about society
  • "The Shortest Way with the Dissenters" was initially taken seriously by some readers, leading to Defoe's arrest and imprisonment for seditious libel
• Some satirical works faced censorship or suppression due to their controversial content or political implications
  • "The Rehearsal" was banned from the stage for a time due to its satirical attacks on powerful figures and its potential for inciting unrest
• Satirical works also had a significant influence on public opinion and political discourse, shaping attitudes and sparking conversations about important issues
  • "Absalom and Achitophel" played a role in the Exclusion Crisis, supporting the king's right to choose his own heir and attacking the Whig opposition
• The popularity of satirical works also contributed to the development of new literary forms and genres, such as the novel and the periodical essay
  • The success of "Gulliver's Travels" helped to establish the novel as a serious literary form, paving the way for later works of prose fiction
• Satirical works also had a lasting impact on English literature and culture, influencing later writers and shaping the course of literary history
  • The wit and social commentary of Restoration comedy influenced later playwrights, such as Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw
• The reception of satirical works varied depending on the audience and the political and social context in which they were received
  • Some works were praised for their wit and insight, while others were condemned as scandalous or subversive
• The effectiveness of satirical works in bringing about social or political change is debatable, but their role in sparking conversation and challenging the status quo is undeniable
  • While "A Modest Proposal" did not directly lead to policy changes, it drew attention to the plight of the Irish poor and the callousness of the English ruling class

Modern Connections and Relevance

• Many of the social and political issues addressed in Restoration satire continue to resonate with modern audiences, such as gender inequality, political corruption, and the abuse of power
  • The sexual politics and double standards critiqued in "The Country Wife" are still relevant in the age of the #MeToo movement and ongoing debates about gender roles
• The techniques and strategies used by Restoration satirists, such as irony, parody, and exaggeration, are still employed by modern satirists in literature, film, television, and other media
  • TV shows like "South Park," "The Simpsons," and "Saturday Night Live" use many of the same satirical techniques to critique contemporary politics and culture
• The role of satire in shaping public opinion and sparking debate is as important now as it was in the Restoration period, with satirical works continuing to challenge the status quo and expose social and political ills
  • Political cartoons and satirical news shows like "The Daily Show" and "Last Week Tonight" play a similar role in modern society, using humor to critique those in power and spark conversation about important issues
• The study of Restoration satire can provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the period, as well as the enduring human foibles and social issues that continue to plague us today
  • Understanding the political and religious tensions of the Restoration period can shed light on similar conflicts and divisions in modern society
• The wit, humor, and social commentary of Restoration satire continue to entertain and engage modern readers, even as the specific cultural references and contexts may require additional explanation or context
  • Works like "The Way of the World" and "Gulliver's Travels" are still widely read and performed, testifying to their enduring appeal and relevance
• The study of Restoration satire can also provide a foundation for understanding the development of English literature and the evolution of satirical techniques over time
  • Tracing the influence of Restoration satirists on later writers can help students appreciate the ongoing dialogue and development of literary traditions
• Ultimately, the enduring relevance of Restoration satire lies in its ability to use humor and wit to expose universal human truths and to challenge readers to think critically about their own society and values
  • The social and political critiques of writers like Swift, Dryden, and Wycherley still have the power to provoke, amuse, and enlighten modern readers, even centuries after their initial publication

Key Takeaways and Exam Tips

• Understand the definition and purpose of satire, as well as the main techniques and tools used by satirists (irony, parody, exaggeration, caricature, juxtaposition, wit, and allegory)
  • Be able to identify and analyze examples of these techniques in specific works and explain how they contribute to the overall satirical effect
• Be familiar with the key satirical works and authors of the Restoration period, including their main themes, targets, and techniques
  • Know the plot, characters, and satirical targets of works like "The Country Wife," "Absalom and Achitophel," "The Rehearsal," and "Gulliver's Travels"
• Understand the historical and cultural context of Restoration England, including the political, religious, and social issues that shaped the period and provided material for satirists
  • Be able to connect specific works to their historical and cultural context and explain how they reflect or critique the values and concerns of Restoration society
• Analyze the social issues and targets of Restoration satire, such as gender roles, marriage, class hierarchy, politics, religion, and intellectual life
  • Be prepared to discuss how specific works address these issues and what they reveal about Restoration society and values
• Assess the impact and reception of satirical works in their own time and in later periods, considering factors such as controversy, censorship, influence on public opinion, and literary legacy
  • Think critically about how satirical works were received by different audiences and how they shaped the development of English literature and culture
• Make connections between Restoration satire and modern satire, identifying similarities in techniques, themes, and social critiques
  • Consider how the issues and techniques of Restoration satire continue to be relevant and effective in modern contexts, and how they have evolved or adapted over time
• Develop your own critical insights and arguments about the role and value of satire, both in the Restoration period and in modern society
  • Be prepared to express your own views on the effectiveness, limitations, and ethical implications of satire as a mode of social and political critique
• Practice close reading and analysis of specific passages from satirical works, paying attention to language, tone, imagery, and rhetorical devices
  • Be able to identify and interpret key passages that exemplify the main themes, techniques, and targets of a given work, and use them to support your arguments and insights