Restoration and Puritan Age :

 Restoration and Puritan Age: English Literature :

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Restoration Age (1660-1700) : 

The period from 1660 to 1700 is mentioned as the Restoration Age or the Age of Dryden because the monarchy was restored in England. In the year of 1660, Charles II was brought to the throne and the restoration of Charles II brought a new era both in life and in literature. The restoration actually replaced the power of the monarchy and puritan ethos. It brought the power of a Parliamentary system under the two parties – Whigs and Tories, and both parties encouraged social stability. Thus, the period from 1660 to 1700 has the most importance and it is called the Age of Restoration. 

Themes : 

1) Social and Political Conflict :         

      
                  With the come – back of Charles II, England’s social, political and religious tenets have transformed. The two devastating incidents – The great Plague of London and The Great Fire of London did much more harm to English Social life.

Politically, the country was divided into two parties – The Whigs and The Tories. Both parties were largely devoted to the Anglican Church. Later, both the parties joined together to put an end to King James II who misrule for four years. After the bloodiness revolution of 1688, which called William of Orange and Queen Mary to the throne, was simply the indication of England’s healthy and sanity.

 

2) Opening of Theaters : 

                  All the institutions that were closed in the puritanical movement were opened during the Restoration period. Political monarchy, Parliament

 Episcopacy and law were all restored. The clubs and coffee houses were also established during the period. These houses become the centers of political discussions and from here only, the periodical essays were originated. 

3) Rise of Neo-Classicism : 

               The Restoration marks a complete break with the past and the Elizabethan Romanticism was almost over. With the end of the past, literature took a new spirit and outlook and a different attitude in the subject and style.Lacking of the genius in Elizabethans, the authors of the time turned to the great classical writers, particularly Latin writers, for guidance and inspiration. This habit was hardened during the Age which we called Neo – Classicism.

John Dryden (1631-1700) : Often referred to as the father of English criticism, was a central figure in Restoration literature. He excelled in drama with plays like "All for Love," wrote influential poetry such as "Absalom and Achitophel," and made important contributions to literary criticism and translation, including his version of Virgil’s "Aeneid." His work shaped English literature during the Restoration period.

William Congreve: William Congreve was a key English playwright of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Known for his witty and satirical comedies, his most famous work is "The Way of the World." His plays are celebrated for their clever dialogue and sharp critique of society.

Puritan Age (1620-1660) : 

The Puritan Age (1620-1660) emerged against the backdrop of the English Civil War and the rise of Puritanism, a movement that sought to purify the Church of England from within. Literature during this time was heavily influenced by the Puritans' austere moral code and religious fervor. The themes of sin, redemption, and the human struggle between good and evil were pervasive, reflecting the Puritans' focus on spiritual introspection and moral righteousness.

English Civil War on the literature : 

The English Civil War influenced literature by introducing themes of political and religious conflict, satire, and propaganda. Writers like John Milton and Samuel Butler used their works to critique and reflect on the turmoil of the period, while Puritan literature focused on morality and piety. The war also led to a proliferation of pamphlets and impacted the evolution of drama.

Characteristics of Puritan Age : 

• The writers of Puritan ages followed the paths of the great Renaissance writers.

• The spirit of science popularizes by great men like Newton, Bacon and Descartes.

• In literature the spirit infuses itself in the form of criticism, which was truly the creation of Puritan age.

• People classified, analyzed, and systematized many things which were having no importance before that.

• English language was started being used as the medium for instruction and for storing the data and for conveying facts.

• Art of Biography popularized which was unknown in previous ages.

• Readers had become criticizers and asked for the facts and figures, so that they may judge and can take sides in the controversial matters.

• Puritanism is considered as the second greatest renaissance.

• Rebirth of the moral nature of man which followed intellectual

• awakening of Europe in 15th and 16th century.

• Puritan movement stood for the liberty of people of Europe.

• It aimed at making people free and honest.

One of the most significant literary figures of the Puritan Age is John Milton (1608-1674). His most famous work is 'Paradise Lost', an epic poem that explores themes of good and evil, free will, and redemption through the story of the Fall of Man. Milton's contributions include his innovative use of blank verse and his influence on later literature and political thought. He was also a strong advocate for personal freedom and religious tolerance, which he expressed through his writing and political activism.

John Banyan : John Bunyan (1628–1688) was an English writer and preacher best known for his book 'The Pilgrim's Progress' (1678). This allegorical work describes a Christian's journey to salvation and has been highly influential in both literature and Christian thought. Bunyan's contributions include his use of vivid imagery and allegory to convey spiritual themes, as well as his role in promoting religious freedom and literacy. His writings have had a lasting impact on English literature and religious discourse.

Citation : 

“---.” Empire Tuition Classes, hlg7.weebly.com/characteristics-of-restoration-period.html.

“---.” Google Docs, docs.google.com/document/d/10Vf2cBoeFea3RGj9xp_-z83Q3VCM0vu1OeIhi6UKc7g/edit?pli=1.

---.--. “John Bunyan | English Author and Preacher.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Aug. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Bunyan.

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