The Restoration: Late Modern English-c. 1660 to 1789
The Restoration period in English literature is a time of great political and cultural change that took place between 1660 and 1789. It was marked by the return of the English monarchy and the restoration of the Stuart line to the throne after a period of republican rule. The Restoration era saw the development of a new literary style, which was influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment and the rise of scientific thought. This period produced some of the greatest works of English literature, including those by John Dryden, Samuel Pepys, and John Locke.
Historical Background of the Restoration Period
- The End of the Puritan Republic
- The Restoration of the Monarchy
- The Glorious Revolution and its Impact
The Restoration period was marked by significant political and historical events that influenced its literary output. The end of the Puritan republic in 1660 marked the return of the monarchy and the restoration of the Stuart line to the throne. This was followed by a period of relative stability under the rule of Charles II, who was known for his patronage of the arts and literature. However, the period was also marked by political turmoil, including the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw the overthrow of James II and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
Literary Trends in the Restoration Period
- Neoclassicism and the Influence of the French Court
- The Rise of the Novel
- The Restoration Drama and the Emergence of Female Playwrights
The Restoration period saw a significant shift in literary style and form. Neoclassicism was a dominant influence, which emphasized order, reason, and restraint in art and literature. The French court also had a significant influence on literary trends, with many English writers taking inspiration from French literature and drama. The novel also emerged as a new literary form during this period, with works such as Aphra Behn's Oroonoko and Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe setting the stage for the development of the modern novel. The Restoration drama was also a significant literary trend, with female playwrights such as Aphra Behn, Susanna Centlivre, and Catherine Trotter contributing to the genre.
Major Writers and Works of the Restoration Period
- John Dryden and the Restoration Drama
- Samuel Pepys and the Diary as Literature
- John Locke and the Rise of Empiricism
The Restoration period produced some of the greatest writers and works in English literature. John Dryden was a leading literary figure of the period, known for his plays, poems, and criticism. His works include the play All for Love and the satirical poem Mac Flecknoe. Samuel Pepys' diary is also an important work of the period, providing a unique insight into Restoration society and culture. John Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding was a groundbreaking work that paved the way for the rise of empiricism and the Enlightenment.
Themes and Ideas in the Restoration Literature
- Love, Sex, and Seduction
- Political and Social Satire
- Science and Reason
The literature of the Restoration period explored a wide range of themes and ideas. Love, sex, and seduction were common motifs, with writers such as Aphra Behn and John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, exploring the complexities of human relationships and desire. Political and social satire was also a prominent feature of Restoration literature, with writers such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope using their works to criticise the political and cultural institutions of the time. The rise of scientific thought and reason was also a significant theme in Restoration literature, with writers such as John Locke and Isaac Newton exploring the nature of knowledge and the role of reason in human understanding.
The legacy and influence of the Restoration period
The Restoration period left a significant legacy and influence on English literature and culture. Some of the key contributions include the following:
- Rise of the novel: The Restoration period saw the rise of the novel as a popular literary genre. Writers such as Aphra Behn, Daniel Defoe, and Samuel Richardson wrote novels that explored human nature, society, and morality. Their works paved the way for the development of the novel as a dominant form of literature in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Emergence of political satire: Political satire became a prominent form of literature during the Restoration period. Writers such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope used satire to comment on the social and political issues of their time. Their works were widely read and had a significant impact on public opinion.
- Development of the English language: The Restoration period saw significant developments in the English language. The period saw the standardization of spelling and grammar, and the adoption of new words from other languages. The works of writers such as John Dryden and Samuel Johnson helped to establish English as a powerful and expressive language.
- Influence on theatre: The Restoration period had a significant influence on the theatre. The period saw the development of the comedy of manners, a genre that satirized the manners and social conventions of the upper classes. The period also saw the emergence of actresses on the English stage, paving the way for greater gender equality in the theatre.
- Impact on society: The Restoration period had a profound impact on English society. The period saw the growth of the middle class, the rise of consumer culture, and the development of new forms of entertainment. The period also saw significant changes in attitudes towards religion, science, and politics.
The legacy and influence of the Restoration period can still be seen today in English literature, language, and culture. The period laid the foundations for many of the artistic and cultural movements that followed, and its impact can be felt in everything from the novels we read to the way we speak and write.
Conclusion
The Restoration era was a time of great change and upheaval in English literature. It saw the rise of new literary forms, the development of satire as a distinct genre, and a renewed interest in classical literature and learning.
While the era was marked by political turmoil and social upheaval, it was also a time of great creativity and innovation. The works produced during the period continue to be studied and appreciated today, and have had a lasting impact on English literature and culture as a whole.