Puritan Age in English Literature | All about Puritan Age | main events , characteristics and poets

Summary

This video explores the Puritan Age in English literature, covering its historical context, key events, and major writers. It discusses how the Puritans aimed to reform the Church of England, the impact of their beliefs on literature, and the period's shift from the unity of the Elizabethan era to a more somber, intellectual tone. The video highlights significant literary figures like John Milton and John Bunyan, alongside different poetic groups. It also emphasizes the importance of moral, didactic literature and the influence of the Bible during this time.

Takeaways

• 📜 Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries seeking to purify the Church of England.
• 📆 The Puritan Age in English literature spans from 1625 to 1675, marked by moral and political revolution, and influenced by Puritan standards.
• ⚔️ The Puritan struggle led to the overthrow of the monarchy, the execution of Charles I, and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Cromwell.
• 🖋️ John Milton, a Puritan, was the greatest literary figure of the period, known for his influential works.
• 📖 The literature of this age lacked the unity and optimism of the Elizabethan era, becoming more somber, critical, and intellectual.
• ✝️ Puritan literature was heavily influenced by religion, focusing on personal salvation, morality, and biblical themes.
• 📝 Much of Puritan writing was didactic, aiming to instruct readers in matters of faith and conduct, exemplified by works like John Bunyan’s *The Pilgrim’s Progress*.
• 🔍 Puritans emphasized individualism, self-examination, and the introspective relationship with God in their autobiographical works.
• 📚 The period saw a proliferation of printed materials, including the influential King James Bible published in 1611.
• ✒️ Notable literary groups of the era include transition poets, metaphysical poets, Cavalier poets, and prominent figures like John Milton, John Bunyan, and minor prose writers.

Q & A

Who were the Puritans and what did they aim to achieve?

The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to purify and reform the Church of England. They believed that the church retained too many Roman Catholic practices and wanted to simplify its religious rituals and teachings.

What time period is referred to as the Puritan Age in English literature?

The Puritan Age in English literature spans the half-century between 1625 and 1675. It is characterized by the dominance of Puritan standards and figures like John Milton.

Why is the period between 1625 and 1675 called the Puritan Age?

This period is called the Puritan Age for two reasons: first, because Puritan standards prevailed in England during this time, and second, because the most prominent literary figure of the age was the Puritan writer John Milton.

What were the main historical events that shaped the Puritan Age?

The Puritan Age was marked by significant conflict, including the Puritan struggle for righteousness and liberty. The Puritans overthrew the corrupt monarchy, beheaded King Charles I, and established the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. The Commonwealth lasted only a few years until the restoration of Charles II in 1660.

How does the literature of the Puritan Age differ from the preceding Elizabethan period?

Literature of the Puritan Age differs from the Elizabethan period in three ways: it lacks the unity of spirit seen during Elizabethan times, it is often somber rather than hopeful, and it has become more critical and intellectual, focusing on making readers think rather than feel deeply.

What are some key characteristics of Puritan literature?

Puritan literature is marked by several characteristics, including a focus on religious themes, moral and didactic content, strong biblical influence, individualism and self-examination, and the growing importance of the printing press.

Which major writers and poets emerged during the Puritan Age?

Notable writers of the Puritan Age include John Milton, John Bunyan, the metaphysical poets (like John Donne and George Herbert), the Cavalier poets (like Robert Herrick and Richard Lovelace), and the transition poets, such as Samuel Daniel.

How did the Bible influence Puritan literature?

The Bible held a central place in Puritan life, and its influence is evident in Puritan literature. Writers frequently referenced scripture, and their works often incorporated biblical themes and motifs. The publication of the King James Bible in 1611 was particularly significant.

What role did introspection and self-examination play in Puritan writings?

Puritans emphasized the individual's relationship with God, which led to a focus on introspection and self-examination. This theme is evident in autobiographical writings and personal diaries from the period, reflecting a deep concern for personal salvation and moral integrity.

What impact did the printing press have during the Puritan Age?

The printing press greatly influenced the Puritan Age by making literature more accessible to a wider audience. It allowed for the dissemination of religious texts, such as the King James Bible, and other literary works that reflected Puritan values and teachings.