Restoration Period || Major Events || Writers & Works

Summary

The Restoration period in English literature (1660-1688) marked a shift from Puritan austerity to a more hedonistic and experimental approach. Key events include the restoration of King Charles II, the reopening of theaters, and the emergence of Restoration drama. Notable writers like John Dryden, Aphra Behn, and William Wycherley brought themes of love, sex, and social class into their works. The period also saw the birth of the novel and the rise of scientific thought through the Royal Society. The Glorious Revolution ended this dynamic literary era.

Takeaways

• 👑 The Restoration period began in 1660 when King Charles II was restored to the throne, marking a shift in English literature.
• 🎭 Theaters, banned during the Puritan regime, were reopened, leading to the rise of Restoration drama known for its wit and satire.
• 📖 The novel as a literary genre began to emerge, with Aphra Behn's 'Oroonoko' being a notable work from this era.
• 📝 Restoration drama, characterized by its bawdy humor, explored themes such as love, sex, and social class.
• ✍️ John Dryden became a leading literary figure of the Restoration, known for his poetry, plays, and critical works.
• 👩‍💼 Aphra Behn was one of the first English women to make a living through writing, contributing plays and novels.
• 🤴 John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, was notorious for his scandalous lifestyle and irreverent poetry.
• 📜 The Royal Society, founded in 1660, promoted scientific research, influencing the literature and intellectual landscape of the time.
• 📚 John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress' became a classic work of allegorical literature from this period.
• 🗓 The Glorious Revolution of 1688 marked the end of the Restoration period, transitioning England to a constitutional monarchy.

Q & A

What event marks the beginning of the Restoration period in English literature?

The Restoration period in English literature began in 1660 with the restoration of King Charles II to the throne after the Puritan Commonwealth.

How did the Restoration of the monarchy impact English literature?

The restoration of the monarchy led to a significant shift in English literature, moving from Puritan austerity and moralism to a more hedonistic and relaxed approach. It also resulted in the reopening of theaters and the revival of drama.

What is Restoration drama known for?

Restoration drama is known for its wit, humor, and satire, as well as its frank exploration of themes such as love, sex, and social class.

Who was John Dryden and why is he important to the Restoration period?

John Dryden was a leading literary figure of the Restoration period, often called the father of English poetry. He was known for his use of heroic couplets and wrote plays, poems, and critical works, including 'All for Love' and 'Annus Mirabilis'.

How did the novel genre emerge during the Restoration period?

The novel genre began to take shape during the Restoration period with works like Aphra Behn's 'Oroonoko' (1688), laying the groundwork for future novels such as Samuel Richardson's 'Pamela' and Henry Fielding's 'Tom Jones'.

What role did Aphra Behn play in Restoration literature?

Aphra Behn was one of the first English women to earn a living as a writer. She wrote plays like 'The Rover' and novels such as 'Oroonoko', and her works were known for their bawdy humor and exploration of sexual themes.

What was the significance of the reopening of theaters during the Restoration period?

The reopening of theaters, which had been closed during the Puritan regime, was significant because it revitalized drama and allowed playwrights to explore new themes, such as love, class, and morality, through witty and often scandalous performances.

How did the Royal Society influence the literature of the Restoration period?

Founded in 1660, the Royal Society promoted scientific research and experimentation, with the works of figures like Isaac Newton and Robert Boyle influencing literature by encouraging intellectual exploration and inquiry.

What themes are common in the works of Restoration playwrights like William Wycherley and George Etherege?

Restoration playwrights like William Wycherley and George Etherege often explored themes of sexual relationships, social class, and hypocrisy, using wit and satire to critique the social and political institutions of the time.

How did the Glorious Revolution affect the Restoration period in English literature?

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 marked the end of the Restoration period by overthrowing King James II and establishing a constitutional monarchy under William and Mary. This political shift also signaled changes in literature, reflecting new political realities.