Which are the Major Characteristics of Restoration Period

The Restoration period (1660–1700) in English literature was marked by political upheaval, the restoration of the monarchy, and a vibrant cultural milieu. During this period, the arts, literature, and drama all flourished. Notable innovations were the emergence of Restoration comedy, the use of heroic couplets, and the growth of sardonic and philosophical poetry. Notable writers including John Dryden, Aphra Behn, and William Congreve contributed greatly to the literary canon, and the political and cultural currents of the day had a significant impact on English society.

1. Historical Context:

The Restoration of the Monarchy:

The end of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth era and the accession of Charles II to the throne in 1660 signaled the start of this one. Once Charles II returned from his exile in France, political and cultural views changed dramatically.

Scientific and Philosophical Advances:

The Restoration period coincided with the Scientific Revolution, with figures like Isaac Newton making groundbreaking contributions. Scientific inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge became prominent themes, influencing not only science but also literature.

2. Political and Social Characteristics:

The Royal Society:

Founded in 1660, the Royal Society epitomized the spirit of inquiry and empirical observation. It played a key role in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting the exchange of ideas, reflecting the intellectual curiosity of the age.

The Courtly Culture:

The court of Charles II in London became a center of lavish entertainment, fashion, and wit. The courtly culture was characterized by a sophisticated and often licentious atmosphere, influencing the arts and literature.

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Political Instability:

Despite the Restoration of the monarchy, political tensions persisted. The period saw conflicts between the monarchy and Parliament, as well as debates about the balance of power and the role of the monarchy in governance.

3. Literary Characteristics:

Restoration Comedy:

One of the most distinctive features of the era was the rise of Restoration comedy. Playwrights like William Wycherley, George Etherege, and William Congreve produced witty, sophisticated comedies that often satirized the manners and morals of the upper classes.

Satire and Social Critique:

Satire became a popular form of literary expression during the Restoration. Writers such as John Dryden and Samuel Butler used satire to critique political figures, societal norms, and human follies.

Heroic Couplets:

The use of heroic couplets, rhymed pairs of iambic pentameter lines, became a dominant poetic form. Poets like John Dryden and Alexander Pope utilized this form for satire, epistles, and narrative poetry.

Metaphysical Poetry:

While the metaphysical poets were more associated with the preceding Jacobean period, their influence continued into the Restoration. Poets like John Donne and Andrew Marvell explored complex themes, often using unconventional metaphors and wit.

The Rise of the Novel:

The Restoration period laid the groundwork for the development of the novel. Although the novel as a distinct literary form fully emerged in the 18th century, works like Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko" (1688) contained elements that foreshadowed the novelistic tradition.

4. Cultural and Artistic Characteristics:

Theaters and Playhouses:

The Restoration saw the reopening of theaters, which had been closed during the Puritan rule. Playhouses like the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane and the Duke's Company flourished, contributing to the popularity of drama.

Visual Arts and Architecture:

The period witnessed a shift in visual arts, with Baroque and Rococo styles gaining prominence. Architectural developments, such as the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire in 1666, reflected a blend of classical and contemporary influences.

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Notable Figures:

John Dryden (1631–1700):

As the first official Poet Laureate of England, Dryden was a prolific writer of poetry, drama, and critical essays. His works, including "Absalom and Achitophel" (1681), exemplify the use of heroic couplets and political satire.

Aphra Behn (1640–1689):

Behn is considered one of the first professional female writers in English literature. Her play "The Rover" (1677) and novel "Oroonoko" are notable contributions to the literature of the Restoration.

William Congreve (1670–1729):

Congreve was a prominent playwright known for his comedies, including "The Way of the World" (1700). His plays are characterized by witty dialogue, intricate plots, and satirical elements.

Samuel Pepys (1633–1703):

Pepys is renowned for his detailed diaries, providing valuable insights into the social, political, and cultural life of the Restoration period. His diaries are a rich source for understanding the everyday experiences of the time.

Legacy and Criticism:

The Restoration period left a lasting impact on English literature and culture. It set the stage for the Augustan Age and the Enlightenment, influencing subsequent literary movements. However, the period also faced criticism for its perceived moral laxity and the sometimes cynical nature of its literature. Restoration comedy, in particular, has been criticized for its depiction of promiscuity and its portrayal of women.

 

Conclusion:

The Restoration era in English literature, which lasted from 1660 to 1700, was characterized by a thriving cultural environment, political unrest, and the restoration of the monarchy. Drama, literature, and the arts all flourished during this time, and notable developments included the birth of Restoration comedy, the usage of heroic couplets, and the development of sarcastic and philosophical poetry. The literary canon was enriched by the works of notable authors like John Dryden, Aphra Behn, and William Congreve, and English society was profoundly influenced by the political and cultural currents of the day.

The legacy of the Restoration period extends beyond its immediate historical context, influencing subsequent literary movements and shaping the trajectory of English literature. Its exploration of wit, satire, and the complexities of human nature paved the way for the literary developments of the Augustan Age and the Enlightenment. While the era faced criticisms for its perceived moral laxity, it remains a crucial chapter in the evolution of literature, providing valuable insights into the cultural, political, and artistic currents of the time.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Q 1. What were the major literary forms of the Restoration period?

The major literary forms of the Restoration period included Restoration comedy, characterized by witty and satirical plays, the use of heroic couplets in poetry, and the early developments of the novel, as seen in works like Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko."

Q 2. Who were some notable figures of the Restoration period?

Notable figures of the era include John Dryden, the first Poet Laureate of England, Aphra Behn, one of the first professional female writers, and William Congreve, a prominent playwright known for his comedies.

Q 3. How did political and social changes influence literature during the Restoration period?

The restoration of the monarchy under Charles II, political tensions, and the courtly culture of the time influenced literature by fostering wit, satire, and a focus on societal manners and morals. The period's dynamic political climate is reflected in the literature of the time.

Q 4. What was the significance of the Royal Society during the Restoration period?

The Royal Society, founded in 1660, played a significant role in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting intellectual inquiry. Its emphasis on empirical observation and the exchange of ideas reflected the intellectual curiosity of the age.

Q 5. How did the Restoration period contribute to the development of the novel?

While the novel as a distinct literary form fully emerged in the 18th century, the Restoration period laid the groundwork for its development. Works like Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko" exhibited elements that foreshadowed the novelistic tradition.

Q 6. What criticisms did the Restoration period face?

The era faced criticism for its perceived moral laxity, particularly in the portrayal of promiscuity in Restoration comedy. The sometimes cynical nature of the literature produced during this period also drew criticism.

Q 7. What is the legacy of the Restoration period in English literature?

The Restoration period's legacy is evident in its influence on subsequent literary movements, particularly the Augustan Age and the Enlightenment. Its exploration of wit, satire, and the complexities of human nature contributed to the shaping of English literature for centuries to come.

 

 

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