The Restoration period in English literature (1660-1700)

 Никола Бенин

The Restoration period in English literature (1660-1700) followed the tumultuous events of the English Civil War and the subsequent Interregnum. With the monarchy restored under Charles II in 1660, literature experienced notable shifts.

1. Literary Characteristics:

Restoration Comedy:Witty and risqué plays, often satirizing societal norms. Notable playwrights include William Wycherley and William Congreve.

Heroic Couplets:Alexander Pope and John Dryden popularized this rhyming verse form, often used for satirical or didactic purposes.

Prose and Essays: The period saw the rise of the essay, with works like Samuel Pepys's diary and the essays of John Dryden.

2. Drama:

Reopening of Theaters: The Restoration marked the reopening of theaters, leading to a flourishing dramatic scene.

Women on Stage: Women began appearing as actresses, challenging traditional norms.

3. Poetry:

Metaphysical Poetry: Although the metaphysical style declined, poets like Andrew Marvell continued its influence.

Satirical Poetry: Dryden's satirical poetry, such as "Absalom and Achitophel," targeted political and social figures.

4. Political and Social Context:

Royal Society: Scientific advancements influenced literature, and the Royal Society's emphasis on reason and empirical observation had an impact.

Restoration Court Culture: Literature reflected the courtly manners and sophisticated wit of the aristocracy.

5. Key Writers:

John Dryden:Dominant literary figure, excelling in various genres.

Aphra Behn:One of the first professional female playwrights and a prolific novelist.

Samuel Pepys: Known for his detailed diary, providing insights into the period.

6.Cultural Shifts:

Influence of French Literature:French styles and manners influenced English literature, particularly in drama.

Secularization:A move towards secular and realistic representations in literature.

The Restoration period reflects a complex interplay of political, social, and cultural changes, shaping literature into a dynamic expression of the evolving English society.

Poetry:

1.John Dryden:

- Notable for his satirical and didactic poetry.

- Works like "Absalom and Achitophel" satirize political figures.

- Pioneered the use of heroic couplets, a rhyming verse form.

2.Andrew Marvell:

- Blended metaphysical elements with political and social commentary.

- "To His Coy Mistress" is a well-known example of his poetic style.

3. Aphra Behn:

- While primarily known as a playwright, she also wrote poetry.

- Her poetry often explored themes of love and passion.

Novel:

1. Aphra Behn:

- A trailblazer as one of the first professional female novelists.

- "Oroonoko" (1688) is considered one of the earliest English novels, exploring themes of slavery and colonialism.

2. Margaret Cavendish:

- Wrote prose fiction, including "The Blazing World" (1666), often considered an early science fiction work.

- Explored themes of utopia and imagination.

Drama:

1.William Wycherley:

- Known for his witty and risqué comedies.

- "The Country Wife" (1675) is a classic example of Restoration comedy.

2. William Congreve:

- A prominent playwright of the late Restoration period.

- "The Way of the World" (1700) is considered one of the masterpieces of English comedy.

3. John Dryden:

- Contributed significantly "Love for all" (1677), reflect a shift towards more heroic and serious themes.

The Restoration period witnessed a vibrant literary scene with poetry, novels, and drama reflecting the changing social and political landscape, as well as the cultural influences of the time.