, Restoration age:
e Restoration Age in English literature began in 1660 with the restoration of King Charles II to
the English throne after the strict Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell. This period is called the
“Restoration” because the monarchy, theatres, and social pleasures were restored after nearly
two decades of political and religious suppression.
Historical and Social Background:
The age was marked by a strong reaction against Puritan austerity. People were tired of strict
moral control and welcomed freedom, enjoyment, and sophistication. Society became more
worldly, fashionable, and pleasure-loving. The influence of French culture, especially from the
court of Louis XIV, greatly shaped English manners, literature, and drama.
Spirit of the Age:
The Restoration Age emphasized:
● Reason and realism.
● Wit, satire, and intellectual sharpness.
● Social behavior and manners.
● Skepticism about human nature.
Writers focused more on urban life, especially the upper-class society of London, rather than
idealized heroes or religious themes.
Major Literary Features
1. Poetry:
Restoration poetry moved away from emotional and imaginative expression toward clarity,
balance, and discipline. Poets preferred Heroic couplets,Logical arguments, and Satirical tone
Poetry often dealt with politics, society, and human weaknesses rather than love or nature.
Major poets:
John Dryden (the most important figure of the age)
2. Drama:
Drama was the most prominent literary form of the Restoration Age. With the reopening of
theatres, drama flourished again.
Restoration Comedy (Comedy of Manners):
● Focused on love, marriage, fashion, and hypocrisy
● Portrayed the artificial and witty life of the upper class
● Known for sharp dialogue and satire
Famous dramatists:
William Wycherley, William Congreve, George Etherege
Tragedy during this period often followed heroic themes, but it was less successful than
comedy.
3. Prose:
e Restoration Age in English literature began in 1660 with the restoration of King Charles II to
the English throne after the strict Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell. This period is called the
“Restoration” because the monarchy, theatres, and social pleasures were restored after nearly
two decades of political and religious suppression.
Historical and Social Background:
The age was marked by a strong reaction against Puritan austerity. People were tired of strict
moral control and welcomed freedom, enjoyment, and sophistication. Society became more
worldly, fashionable, and pleasure-loving. The influence of French culture, especially from the
court of Louis XIV, greatly shaped English manners, literature, and drama.
Spirit of the Age:
The Restoration Age emphasized:
● Reason and realism.
● Wit, satire, and intellectual sharpness.
● Social behavior and manners.
● Skepticism about human nature.
Writers focused more on urban life, especially the upper-class society of London, rather than
idealized heroes or religious themes.
Major Literary Features
1. Poetry:
Restoration poetry moved away from emotional and imaginative expression toward clarity,
balance, and discipline. Poets preferred Heroic couplets,Logical arguments, and Satirical tone
Poetry often dealt with politics, society, and human weaknesses rather than love or nature.
Major poets:
John Dryden (the most important figure of the age)
2. Drama:
Drama was the most prominent literary form of the Restoration Age. With the reopening of
theatres, drama flourished again.
Restoration Comedy (Comedy of Manners):
● Focused on love, marriage, fashion, and hypocrisy
● Portrayed the artificial and witty life of the upper class
● Known for sharp dialogue and satire
Famous dramatists:
William Wycherley, William Congreve, George Etherege
Tragedy during this period often followed heroic themes, but it was less successful than
comedy.
3. Prose:
