Restoration literature
Restoration literature encompasses the diverse plays, prose, poetry, and other literary forms produced in England from 1660 to approximately 1689, coinciding with the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II. This period marked a significant revival of theatrical writing, as theaters reopened after a long closure during the preceding Commonwealth. The literature of the time is characterized by a strong focus on political and religious themes, often employing satire and comedy to address dissenting views in a more veiled manner. Notable genres included heroic dramas, she-tragedies, and political allegories, reflecting the era's complex sociopolitical landscape.
Poetry also flourished during this time, with a preference for rhyming couplets, and notable poets such as John Dryden and John Wilmot emerged. Prose writing predominantly centered on religious and philosophical topics, with figures like John Bunyan and John Locke contributing significantly to this genre. The rise of journalism and the essay format played a crucial role in shaping public discourse, moving away from partisan broadsheets to more neutral news periodicals. Overall, Restoration literature not only mirrors the historical context of its time but also laid the groundwork for future literary developments in England.
Restoration literature
Restoration literature refers to the plays, prose, poetry, and other literary forms created in England during the historical period known as the Restoration, which took place between 1660 and about 1688 or 1689. This literature depicts, reflects, or comments on the restoration of the British monarchy after a brief period of republican rule and describes the Restoration’s effects on society. The Restoration was a period when theatrical writing thrived, the essay was established as a literary form, and journalism in newspaper and periodicals rose in importance.
Literary historians classify some literature outside the period as Restoration literature. For the most part, poetry and prose written during the historical Restoration is considered to be Restoration literature, while the Restoration literature designation is applied to theatrical works and journalism written into the very early 1700s. The Restoration period, which is also known as the Neoclassical period, also saw an increase in writing of a religious nature as well as literary criticism.
Brief History
Charles I (1600–1649) became King of England in 1625 and faced continual issues with Parliament regarding his foreign and religious policies and financial issues. These problems, along with conflict with Scotland, led to civil war in Great Britain. As a result, Charles I was charged with treason and convicted. He was beheaded on January 30, 1649.
Following his death, the monarchy was abolished, and England was ruled as a commonwealth for eleven years. However, Royalists eager for the return of monarchical rule raised funds and worked behind the scenes to bring the beheaded king’s son, also named Charles (1630–1685), out of exile in the Netherlands and back to the throne. On May 25, 1660, the time finally came for the younger Charles to sail back to England and become Charles II, King of England.
Charles II made many changes almost as soon as he assumed the throne. In addition to punishing those he saw as directly responsible for his father’s death, he openly encouraged the arts, especially theater and poetry. Almost as soon as he was placed in power, Charles II reopened the theaters, which had been closed in 1642, to limit insurrections during the civil war in his father’s reign. He issued patents for theater owners to reopen and required them to produce both old and new plays throughout the year, often for royal enjoyment.
Several years later, he established the position of Poet Laureate, and England has not been without one since Charles II appointed John Dryden (1631–1700) as the first to hold the position in 1668. Poetry of all sorts—including some with risqué themes—became popular, especially in the royal court.
Not everyone agreed with all the King’s policies, so there was also growth in literature that addressed political, social, and religious issues. Like his father, Charles II leaned toward the Church of England and even the Roman Catholic Church. This was deeply upsetting to the Puritans, who that felt both churches strayed too far from the Bible. Literature of all genres expressing dissent with Charles II's and other issues became popular. Much of this was imbedded in satire and comedy to reduce the risk to the author, and these literary forms enjoyed great growth during this time.
Charles II died in 1685 and was succeeded by his brother, James II. James was Roman Catholic and established pro-Catholic policies that upset many in England. This led to a bloodless coup known as the Glorious Revolution in 1688, where James II was deposed and replaced by his daughter, Mary, a Protestant. The removal of James from the throne ended the historical Restoration period. However, the influence Charles II had over the literary arts continued for several more decades in some genres, most notably drama and journalism.
Overview
Restoration literature is somewhat unique in that it is identified primarily with the political reign of one monarch. The policies and attitudes of Charles II shaped the literary works of the time, most notably in the return of theatrical works. However, other literary forms demonstrated the impact of his life and policies as well. A growing focus on politico-religious themes in literature was a characteristic of the literature of this time. Along with this came an increase in the use of satire and comedy to criticize some of the more critical views in a safer format. The public of this time had an almost insatiable desire for such work.
Theater
After a long absence, theatrical works soared in popularity during the Restoration period. Theaters became more elaborate, with special effects such as trapdoors that allowed characters to disappear, moveable scenery, and devices to make effects such as thunder and lightning. The main forms were heroic dramas, featuring the political and romantic conquests of strong male characters; tragedies or she-tragedies, often featuring a female lead who suffered through no fault of her own; political allegories; and plays known as spectaculars, which relied heavily on special effects such as moveable scenery, flashy costumes, pyrotechnics, and other elaborate gimmicks to impress audiences. Within these genres, satirical and comedic elements were used liberally to both entertain the public and shield the theater company and playwright from repercussions of critical viewpoints. Some of the great playwrights of the time included the poet Dryden, William Wycherley, and George Etherege.
Poetry
Poetry as a genre thrived. The more relaxed moral behavior of Charles II's court led to some poetry that was bawdier than in the past. Poetry written in rhyming couplets was especially favored during this time, though lyrical poetry and odes were also popular. There was great interest in creating a national epic poem, but the period ended without one. In addition to the Poet Laureate Dryden, and playwright Wycherley, Restoration poets included John Wilmot, the Second Earl of Rochester, Samuel Pepys, Aphra Behn, and Sir William Davenant.
Prose
Much of the prose written during the Restoration was religious or philosophical. The religious works were less heavy handed than earlier works. Instead of promoting one denomination at the expense of another, most focused on promoting a Christian worldview of peace and personal salvation. John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, is among the best-known Restoration religious prose writers. Philosopher John Locke also wrote prolifically during this time.
Journalism and Other Genres
Toward the end of the Restoration, publishers began moving away from broadsheets, or single large sheets of paper printed with information about one topic that often had a partisan slant. News sheets and periodicals began to be published that were more neutral in their presentation. The essay format also grew in popularity during this period, often in the form of an interactive response from the publisher to a reader’s question. There was also an increased market for fiction, often in the form of romances or short tales written in verse. Some of the main authors in these genres included Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, Samuel Johnson, Joseph Addison, Richard Steele, and Alexander Pope.
Bibliography
“Charles II (r. 1660-1685).” Royal, www.royal.uk/charles-ii. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
“Discovering Literature: Restoration and Eighteenth-Century.” British Library, www.bl.uk/restoration-18th-century-literature. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
“The Reign of Charles II and the Restoration.” British Heritage, britishheritage.com/history/charles-ii-restoration. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
“The Restoration.” Royal Museums Greenwich, www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/restoration. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
“Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Reading List.” Eastern Arizona College, eac.libguides.com/c.php?g=734874&p=5251355. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
“Restoration Plays.” Royal Shakespeare Company, www.rsc.org.uk/restoration-plays. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
Smith, Nigel. “John Bunyan and Restoration Literature.” Cambridge University Press, 28 July 2010, www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-companion-to-bunyan/john-bunyan-and-restoration-literature/1948D95D3930319D2396EABD11469738. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.
Zwicker, Stephen N. “Is There Such a Thing as Restoration Literature?” Huntington Library Quarterly, Sept. 2006, www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/hlq.2006.69.3.425. Accessed 18 Nov. 2022.