Puritan & Restoration Age

 Puritan Age 

- Historical Background

  The Puritan Age (1620-1660) was marked by religious and political upheaval. Puritans sought to reform the Church of England, clashing with monarchs James I and Charles I, leading to the English Civil War. The Puritan victory brought the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, during which strict moral laws were enforced. Theaters were closed, but literature, especially religious and introspective works like Milton's 'Paradise Lost', flourished. The era ended with the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, bringing back more relaxed cultural norms.

- Characteristics of the Age

1. Religious Influence:

Focus on strict morality, simplicity, and a direct relationship with God.

2. Political Conflict:

English Civil War and the rise of Oliver Cromwell.

3. Simple Writing:

Literature was plain and aimed at teaching moral lessons.

4. Religious Themes:

Poets like John Milton focused on God, morality, and human struggle (Paradise Lost).

5. Decline of Drama:

Theaters were closed, as Puritans viewed them as immoral.

6. Bible-Centered:

Writing often reflected biblical themes and teachings.

- The significant writers of the Puritan Age 

1. John Milton

   - Famous Work: 'Paradise Lost' (An epic poem about the fall of man and the rebellion of Satan against God)

   - Other Notable Works: 'Paradise Regained', 'Samson Agonistes'

2. John Bunyan

   - Famous Work: 'The Pilgrim’s Progress' (An allegory about a Christian's journey to salvation)

   - Other Notable Works: 'Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners', 'The Life and Death of Mr. Badman'

- conclusion

The Puritan Age (1620-1660) was a time of religious and political turmoil, marked by the Puritans' quest to reform the Church of England and their influence during the English Civil War. This period emphasized strict morality, simplicity in literature, and religious themes, while drama declined due to Puritan views. Writers like John Milton and John Bunyan produced significant works focused on faith and morality. The age ended with the Restoration of Charles II, leading to more relaxed cultural norms.

 

Restoration Age

Historical Background

  The Restoration Age began in 1660 when King Charles II returned to the throne, ending Puritan rule. This period was a reaction to the strict morality of the Puritans, leading to a revival of fun, arts, and entertainment. Theaters reopened, and literature focused on humor, wit, and criticizing society. The era was also marked by big events like the Great Plague (1665) and the Great Fire of London (1666).

- Characteristics of the Age

1. Revival of Drama:

Theaters came back, and "Restoration comedies" were popular for their wit and sexual humor.

2. Wit and Satire:

Writers used humor and sarcasm to criticize politics and society.

3. Focus on Human Nature:

Literature explored people's behavior in a light, humorous way.

4. Science and Reason:

There was a growing interest in logic and scientific thinking, which influenced literature.

5. Licentiousness:

The court and literature often reflected themes of love, lust, and indulgence.

6. Heroic Poetry and Drama:

Writers created grand characters and moral dilemmas in plays and poems.

- Significant Writers of the Restoration Age

1. John Dryden

   - Famous Work: 'Absalom and Achitophel' (Political satire)

   - Known for satire and drama.

2. William Congreve

   - Famous Work: 'The Way of the World' (A witty comedy about love and society).

- Conclusion

The Restoration Age was a time of fun and witty literature, reacting against the strict Puritan ways. Writers like John Dryden and William Congreve brought back humor, satire, and drama, exploring human behavior in a clever and entertaining way. The era was all about celebrating wit, reason, and society’s complexities.