The restoration period in english literature. English literature 2022-10-08

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The Restoration period in English literature refers to the time period between 1660 and 1700, following the Interregnum and the rule of Oliver Cromwell. This period was marked by the return of the monarchy, with King Charles II taking the throne after the death of Cromwell. The Restoration period is known for its focus on refinement, wit, and intellectualism, as well as the emergence of new literary genres such as the restoration comedy and the heroic play.

One of the most notable features of the Restoration period was the renewed emphasis on social and cultural refinement. The years of Puritan rule under Cromwell had been marked by strict moral codes and a suppression of leisure and artistic pursuits. With the return of the monarchy, there was a renewed focus on pleasure, enjoyment, and the finer things in life. This is reflected in the literature of the time, which often focused on the lives and antics of the wealthy and privileged classes.

One of the most popular genres of literature during the Restoration period was the restoration comedy, which depicted the wit and sophistication of upper-class society. These plays often featured witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and sexual innuendo, and were popular with audiences of all classes. Some of the most famous restoration comedies include William Wycherley's "The Country Wife" and William Congreve's "The Way of the World."

In addition to the restoration comedy, the heroic play was another popular genre during this time. These plays featured larger-than-life heroes who were often based on historical or mythological figures. They often had complex plots and featured themes of honor, bravery, and love. Some of the most famous heroic plays of the Restoration period include John Dryden's "All for Love" and Nathaniel Lee's "The Rival Queens."

Another notable feature of the literature of the Restoration period was the emergence of the essay as a literary form. During this time, there was a great deal of intellectual ferment and debate, and the essay became a popular means of expressing and discussing ideas. Some of the most famous essayists of the time include John Dryden, Joseph Addison, and Richard Steele, who together founded the famous periodical "The Spectator."

In conclusion, the Restoration period in English literature was marked by a renewed focus on refinement, wit, and intellectualism, as well as the emergence of new literary genres such as the restoration comedy and the heroic play. This period was also marked by the emergence of the essay as a literary form, and saw the publication of many influential periodicals and essays.

Restoration Era Literature

the restoration period in english literature

Fielding began his writing career as a playwright; that ended when a play too bluntly satirized Robert Walpole, the powerful Whig Prime Minister. Write a compare and contrast essay discussing how novels from this time are similar to and different from contemporary fiction. ~Alexander Pope Background: The Augustans and the Age of Reason The Restoration refers to the restoration of the monarchy when Charles II was restored to the throne of England following an eleven-year Commonwealth period during which the country was governed by Parliament under the direction of the Puritan General Oliver Cromwell. A reader finishes it. At age thirty-seven, Swift published A Tale of a Tub and Battle of the Books. One side made efforts to retrieve back the English literature of the Jacobean period and the other side was approaching the Gallic models of literature and elevated the literature of Satire and Parody.

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The Restoration: Facts, Summary & Literature

the restoration period in english literature

Laughter was directed at the fop, the pretender at wit. Then came letting the freed slaves vote and have rights. That all changed when the church itself resurrected theater for its own use in the middle ages. George I, great-grandson of James I, is first Hanoverian king. Charles II reopened theaters upon taking the throne in 1660 after his nine-year exile in France under the rule of theater-lover, Louis XIV. The Conquest of Grenada" , the rhyming couplet in iambic pentameter has the right restraint and dignity for a lofty subject, and its rhyme allowed for a complete, coherent statement to be made.

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The Restoration Period (1660

the restoration period in english literature

Read an example of prose fiction from the Restoration period. Whig party included those who opposed Charles-II and favoured Aristocratic succession for Monarchy. In this sense, the political events that occurred in England provide insight into the skepticism that is at the heart of Restoration literature. Helping Tom to learn this wisdom is his great adoration for Sophia Western a lovely virtuous girl representing a kind of Wisdom Goddess. He encouraged poets and other writers to break away from restrictive Puritan ideals and actually think for themselves. Prepared from Walter Scott's edition. Many poets attempted to outline ways to live and write and praised the importance of thinking for oneself.

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Restoration Period In English History

the restoration period in english literature

It was very bitter. The "incongruous" mixing of comedy and tragedy beloved by Restoration audiences was decried. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. Secret plans were made to bring a Protestant Ruler. Poems were mostly concerned with the nature of thing instead of physicality. He followed the success of Love Given O'er with a series of misogynistic poems, all of which have specific, graphic, and witty denunciations of female behaviour.

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The Restoration Period in English Literature: Timeline & Overview

the restoration period in english literature

Restoration Era Literature The poetry written in Puritan literature were elaborate and carnal but were not published anywhere. James Boswell was an intimate friend of Samuel Johnson in his later years, not to mention acquainted with most of the famous writers, artists, and thinkers of the era, including Rousseau and Voltaire. Like most poets of the 18th Century, William Collins followed classical models, as well as Milton, in the form of his poems, but his subject matter was similar to what would preoccupy romantic poets to come later in the 1790s and early 1800s. If you are interested in Restoration cultural history, you can pick and choose any of the over 1. In another land, impractical scientist-types hover in the sky over an island, doing pointless investigations and issuing impractical laws to the people they rule. The first two works in this reading list were poems written to be performed to music at the London Musical Society annual concert, held in celebration of St.

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English Literature of the Revolution and Restoration Period (17th century)_文档下载

the restoration period in english literature

There was no ornamented language and very less use of metaphors and similes in the literary work. Perhaps he is showing that basic human decency and common sense is the best basis for social order. With the restoration of Stuart succession in 1660 theatres were reopened. Popularly known as the Cavaliers, the courtiers had returned from a period of exile in French court. The nation was predominately Protestant. At this time the theatre was opened up to the lower classes.

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Summary of Restoration Period » Smart English Notes

the restoration period in english literature

John Donne 1573-1631 is the founder of the Metaphysical School. Is it as hard as today or harder, or maybe easier? Her kindly adopted father has not told her about her true parentage, so she must also navigate the various relatives she meets who want to influence and control her. Through the use of satire, they were able to expose and critique social injustices. Aphra Behn, The Rover, 1677 Aphra Behn, the first professional English woman writer. When Charles II ascended the throne in 1660, the nobles of literature sensed its novelty by participating in the European literature in a way that England had never experienced before.

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English literature

the restoration period in english literature

In this world, no one means what they say; almost no marriage is happy; almost no one is to be trusted. Perhaps Swift wrote the satires he did because of growing up in such an arduous time and place in Ireland. A lifelong Londoner, he loved every aspect of its culture, especially the nightlife and beautiful ladies. The Restoration Period Of Jonathan Swift English Literature Essay. The poem points out that her husband had affairs as well, so why is the woman punished differently from men for the same behavior? The dramatists did not criticize the accepted morality about gambling, drink, love, and pleasure generally, or try, like the dramatists of our own time, to work out their own view of character and conduct. The king was a thorough debauch.

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