362. DSC 201: The Restoration as Literary Movement (1)
The Restoration literary movement in English literature spans roughly from 1660 to 1700s to 1770s marked by the return of the monarchy under Charles II and the subsequent shift in literary styles from the spiritual concerns of the Puritans to a greater emphasis on wit, social realism, and classical forms. Key characteristics include the rise of comedy of manners, neoclassical poetry, and early journalism, alongside themes that reflect both the celebration and critique of the newly restored court and society.
Key Features of Restoration Literature
Political and Social Context:
The literature is deeply influenced by the political events of the time, particularly the restoration of the monarchy after the Puritan Republic and the subsequent Glorious Revolution. It reflects the tensions and changes in English society.
Shift in Style:
There was a movement away from the fervent spirituality of the previous era toward more formal and witty writing. This involved an emphasis on neoclassical principles, such as correctness and imitation of ancient models.
Dominant Genres:
Comedy of Manners: Writers like William Congreve and George Etherege satirized the aristocracy's foibles and love lives through witty dialogue and complex characters. William Wycherley excelled in depicting the complexities of relationships and social behaviour.
Neoclassical Poetry and Criticism: Writers such as John Dryden developed literary criticism and wrote poetry following strict classical rules, emulating French and classical masters.
Prose: The period saw the emergence of news as a commodity and the essay developing into a periodical art form, laying the groundwork for modern journalism.
Sexual Themes: Restoration literature often focuses on the explicit and daring explorations of sexuality. The libertine spirit, emphasizing personal freedom and luxury, was reflected in both drama and poetry.
Early Journalism: The foundations of news and journalism as a recognized genre were established during this time.
The restoration period (1660-1770) is one of the most important periods in English Literature because English literary tradition was restored during the restoration of the monarchy. This era marked the return of the monarchy under Charles II. The chief characteristics of Restoration literature are bellowed.
Comedy of Manners: A prominent genre during this period, the comedy of manners focused on the manners, social patterns, and intrigues of the upper classes. Playwrights like William Congreve and William Wycherley excelled in depicting the complexities of relationships and social behaviour.
Sexual Themes: Restoration literature often focuses on the explicit and daring explorations of sexuality. The libertine spirit, emphasizing personal freedom and luxury, was reflected in both drama and poetry.
Political Fluctuation and Allegory: The restoration period was characterized by political violence, and literary works often reflected the anticipations of the time. Allegory and political satire were used to comment on contemporary political events and figures.
Heroic Couplets: The heroic couplet, consisting of rhymed pairs of iambic pentameter lines, became a popular poetic form during the Restoration. It was widely used in satirical works, heroic poetry, and epistles.
Influence of French Literature: French literature, especially the works of Molière and Corneille, impacted Restoration literature. French styles and themes were often replicated and adapted by English writers.
Satire and Wit: Restoration literature is famous for its wit and satire. Influenced by the comedy of manners, writers utilized biting satire to mock the time’s social, political, and moral issues.
Themes and Tone:
Wit and Social Satire: A prevalent characteristic was the use of wit to lampoon social behaviors and the aristocratic class.
Realism and Moral Ambiguity: The literature often provided realistic but sometimes coarse portrayals of society, reflecting its complex and sometimes morally indifferent aspects.
Influence of the Enlightenment: The start of the Enlightenment overlapped with the Restoration, introducing an emphasis on reason and logic that permeated the literature.
Notable Figures:
Poets and Critics: John Dryden was a leading figure in both poetry and literary criticism.
Dramatists: Authors like William Congreve and George Etherege are known for their sharp social commentary in comedies of manners.
Religious Writers: Despite the focus on secular concerns, significant works of religious writing also emerged.
The characteristics of Restoration literature collectively capture the spirit of the period. The provocative exploration of societal norms, political changes, and the complexities of human relationships marks the restoration literature.
The Restoration literary movement refers to English writing between 1660 and 1688-1689, a period marked by the restoration of the Stuart monarchy under Charles II after the English Civil War. This literature reflects the turbulent political climate, characterized by themes of political tension, satire, and skepticism, and features genres like poetry, religious prose, and the emergence of comedy of manners and journalism. Key developments included the emphasis on reason and criticism, influenced by the burgeoning Enlightenment and a more formal, classical literary style.
Key Characteristics of Restoration Literature
Political and Social Context:
The literature was heavily influenced by the restoration of the monarchy and the ensuing political and religious tensions, leading to a literature that often satirized or commented on the times.
Emphasis on Reason and Satire:
The period saw the development of new forms of journalism and literary criticism, with writers using wit and reason to comment on society and human nature.
Formal Style:
Writers adopted a more formal and classical style, moving away from the passionate and intellectual explorations of the Renaissance towards elegance and wit.
Genre Development:
Poetry: Poetry was a dominant genre, including the epic works of writers like John Dryden.
Comedy of Manners: Witty and often risqué comedies, like those by William Congreve and George Etherege, lampooned the aristocracy's manners and morality.
Religious Writing: Religious prose remained important, reflecting the spiritual landscape of the era.
Emerging Journalism: The period saw the rise of journalism, a new genre that provided commentary on the political and social events of the time.
Notable Writers
John Dryden:
A prominent poet and playwright known for both epic poetry and satirical works that engaged with the political climate.
Aphra Behn:
A groundbreaking writer, she was one of the first English women to make a living as a professional writer, contributing comedies, novels, and poetry.
William Congreve and George Etherege:
Masters of the comedy of manners, their works are celebrated for their witty dialogue and pointed social commentary on the aristocracy.
End of the Period
The end of the Restoration literary period is often associated with the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw the removal of James II from the throne. This event signaled the political shift and the beginning of a new era in English history and literature.