13.1 Historical Context of the Restoration Period

The Restoration era marked a dramatic shift in England's political and cultural landscape. With the monarchy restored in 1660, society embraced newfound freedoms, leading to a revival of theater and a more secular outlook. This period saw the rise of coffee houses as intellectual hubs and the growth of scientific inquiry.

Literature during the Restoration reflected these changes, with a focus on wit, humor, and social commentary. New forms emerged, including Restoration comedy and heroic drama, while journalism and the novel began to take shape. Key figures like John Dryden and Aphra Behn shaped the literary scene of this transformative period.

Political and Social Landscape of the Restoration

Political and social changes in Restoration

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• Monarchy restored in 1660 ended Puritan rule and Commonwealth period brought King Charles II back from exile
• Censorship and moral restrictions relaxed reopened theaters previously closed by Puritans led to rise of comedies and satires reflecting new social freedoms
• Society became more secular decreased religious themes in literature increased focus on wit, humor, and social commentary
• Coffee houses gained importance as intellectual hubs influenced development of periodicals and essays (The Tatler, The Spectator)
• Scientific inquiry and empiricism grew Royal Society founded in 1660 impacted literary style favoring clarity and precision (Robert Boyle, Isaac Newton)

Key events and figures of Restoration

• Great Plague of London (1665-1666) influenced themes of mortality in literature (Daniel Defoe's "A Journal of the Plague Year")
• Great Fire of London (1666) sparked rebuilding efforts and architectural innovations (St. Paul's Cathedral)
• Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652-1674) influenced political themes in literature (Andrew Marvell's "The Character of Holland")
• Glorious Revolution (1688) established constitutional monarchy limited royal power
• Literary figures shaped era:
  • John Dryden first Poet Laureate of England wrote influential plays and poems
  • Samuel Pepys diarist provided insights into Restoration life through detailed personal accounts
  • Aphra Behn first professional female writer in English pioneered novel form
• Political figures impacted society:
  • King Charles II "The Merry Monarch" known for hedonistic court
  • James II brief reign ended by Glorious Revolution due to Catholic sympathies
  • William III and Mary II joint monarchs after Glorious Revolution strengthened Parliament's power

Literary Developments in the Restoration

Shift in Restoration literary tastes

• Drama revived:
  • Restoration comedy focused on manners, wit, and social satire (William Wycherley's "The Country Wife")
  • Heroic drama emphasized grand themes and noble characters (John Dryden's "All for Love")
• New poetic forms developed:
  • Heroic couplet popularized by John Dryden became dominant verse form
  • Mock-epic satirically used epic conventions (Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock")
• Journalism and periodical essays emerged influenced by coffee house culture developed more direct, conversational prose style
• Translation and adaptation of classical works increased John Dryden translated Virgil and Ovid
• Novel as literary form rose early examples by Aphra Behn ("Oroonoko") and Daniel Defoe ("Robinson Crusoe")
• Metaphysical poetry declined shifted towards more accessible and less complex poetic styles
• French literature and criticism influenced English writing emphasized decorum and adherence to classical rules