17th Century England

Definition

17th Century England refers to the period in English history from 1601 to 1700, marked by significant political, social, and cultural upheaval. This century witnessed the rise of Puritanism, the English Civil War, and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, shaping the religious landscape that influenced works like Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and the broader genre of religious epic poetry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The century began with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, whose death in 1603 marked the end of the Tudor dynasty and the beginning of the Stuart era.
2. The English Civil War was a major event in this century, resulting from tensions between Parliament and King Charles I, which had profound effects on governance and society.
3. Milton's 'Paradise Lost' was written during the interregnum period when England was a republic, reflecting both personal and national themes relevant to the turmoil of 17th Century England.
4. This period saw the rise of literary figures who contributed to both secular and religious literature, shaping early modern English thought and poetics.
5. The Restoration in 1660 marked a return to monarchy under Charles II, influencing artistic expression and literature, including the return to royalist themes in poetry.

Review Questions

• How did Puritanism influence literary works during 17th Century England?
  • Puritanism significantly influenced literature by promoting themes of personal morality, divine providence, and the quest for spiritual truth. Writers like John Milton incorporated these themes into their works, often blending religious fervor with complex narrative structures. This resulted in a body of literature that not only engaged with theological ideas but also sought to reflect the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during a time of great social upheaval.
• Analyze the impact of the English Civil War on the development of religious epic poetry in 17th Century England.
  • The English Civil War created an environment ripe for religious epic poetry as writers grappled with issues of faith, power, and moral conflict. The war's polarizing effect on society prompted poets like Milton to explore themes such as divine justice and human fallibility in their work. This context gave rise to epics that not only depicted biblical stories but also resonated with contemporary struggles for freedom and authority, highlighting how deeply interconnected literature was with the sociopolitical landscape.
• Evaluate how the shift from monarchy to Commonwealth affected literary expressions in 17th Century England.
  • The transition from monarchy to Commonwealth led to profound changes in literary expression as writers navigated new political realities and restrictions on expression. During this time, many authors turned to allegorical forms or historical subjects to comment on current events subtly. The environment fostered a deeper exploration of individual conscience and moral complexity, particularly seen in Milton's works which reflect both support for republican ideals and concern for personal faith amid societal turmoil. This shift ultimately influenced how future generations approached themes of power and morality in literature.

Related terms

Puritanism: A religious reform movement that emerged within the Church of England, aiming to purify it of remaining Catholic practices and emphasizing personal piety and Biblical authority.

English Civil War: A series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists in England from 1642 to 1651, which ultimately led to the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of a republican Commonwealth.

Commonwealth: The period of republican government in England from 1649 to 1660 after the English Civil War, marked by Oliver Cromwell's rule and significant changes in governance and religious practices.