THE RESTORATION PERIOD

(1660-1700)

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The period from 1660 to 1700 is known as the Restoration period or the Age of

Dryden. Dryden was the representative writer of this period. The restoration of King

Charles II in 1660 marks the beginning of a new era both in the life and the literature of

England. The King was received with wild joy on his return from exile. The change of

government from Commonwealth to Kingship corresponded to a change in the mood of

the nation.

In this period the Renaissance delight in this world and the unlimited

possibilities of the exploration of the world, and the moral zeal and the earnestness of

the Puritan period could no more fascinate the people of England. Moody and Lovett

remark: ―But in the greater part of the Restoration period there was awareness of the

limitations of human experience, without faith in the extension of the resources. There

was the disposition to accept such limitations, to exploit the potentialities of a strictly

human world. The historical events like the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, the

religious controversy and the revolution of 1688 deeply influenced the social life and the

literary movements of the age.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESTORATION PERIOD

Social and Political Conflict

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.

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.

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.

Imitation of The Ancients

The authors of the period were not endowed with exceptional talents. So, they turned to

the ancient writers for guidance and inspiration. They directed their attention to the
slavish imitation of rules and ignore the importance of the subject – matter. This habit

was noticeable in the Age of Dryden. And it was strengthened in the Age of Pope.

Realism

Restoration literature is realistic. It was concerned with the life and with the fashion and

manners.

New Literary Forms

The writers of the age went against the Elizabethan romantic ideals and tried to give

realistic picture of the corrupt court and society. They exposed vices rather than virtues.

The most important literary forms expounded during this age are as under:

 Satire

Restoration age was an age of political unrest, sharp wit and personal contention. For

this reason, satire got a new importance. Dryden’s Mac Flecknoe which was written in

heroic couplet is considered as the best satire respectively.

 Poetry

The Restoration poets completely discarded the romanticism of Elizabethan poetry and

also rejected the morals of puritan poets. Poetry presented a realistic picture of the

corrupt court, society, men and manners; and its appeal was to intellect and reason.

 Drama

The theatres which were closed in 1642 were opened during the Restoration.

Consequently, the plays were written for the play – houses. It gave rise to the
development of the Comedy of Manners, which portrayed the sophisticated life of the

dominant class of society.

 Heroic Couplet

Restoration literature adopted the heroic – couplet as a poetic medium that is two

iambic pentameter lines which rhymed together. Waller, who began to use it in 1623, is

generally regarded as the father of the couplet. Later, Waller and Dryden made the

couplet a literary fashion.

PURITAN PERIOD