Restoration Period

What’s the Restoration period?

The Restoration period in English history is the period from 1660 to 1688, following the English Civil War and the Interregnum, when the English monarchy was restored under King Charles II. The period is characterized by a return to traditional values and institutions, as well as a flowering of literature, theater, and the arts.

The Restoration period began with the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, when King Charles II was invited to return to England after 11 years of exile. Charles II was a popular figure, and his return was seen as a sign of the end of the political and religious turmoil of the Interregnum.

The Restoration period is a fascinating period in English history, and it is a period that has been the subject of much study and debate. The Restoration period was a time of great change and upheaval, but it was also a time of great cultural and intellectual achievement. The Restoration period left a lasting legacy on English society, and its influence can still be seen today.

Here are some key events that happened during the Restoration period:

• 1660: Charles II is restored to the throne.
• 1662: The Act of Uniformity is passed, requiring all clergymen to swear an oath of allegiance to the Church of England.
• 1665: The Great Plague strikes London, killing over 100,000 people.
• 1666: The Great Fire of London destroys much of the city.
• 1679: The Popish Plot is revealed, leading to a wave of anti-Catholic sentiment.
• 1688: James II is deposed in the Glorious Revolution.

When did Restoration start and end?

The Restoration period was a period of English history from 1660 to 1688, following the English Civil War and the Commonwealth of England.

The period began on 29 May 1660, when Charles II was restored to the throne after eleven years of exile. The period ended on 11 December 1688, when James II was deposed in the Glorious Revolution and replaced by his daughter Mary II and her husband William III of Orange.

The Restoration period was a time of great change and upheaval in England. The monarchy was restored, but it was a much weaker institution than it had been before the Civil War. The Church of England was also restored, but it was now more tolerant of dissenters. The arts and literature flourished during the Restoration period, and there was a renewed interest in classical learning.

The Restoration period ended with the Glorious Revolution, which was a bloodless coup that overthrew James II and replaced him with Mary II and William III. The Glorious Revolution marked the end of absolute monarchy in England and the beginning of a new era of constitutional monarchy.

What is the Restoration period in English literature history?

The Restoration period in English literature history is a period of about 20 years, from 1660 to 1688, following the English Restoration, which refers to the return of the monarchy to England after the English Civil War and the Interregnum. The Restoration period is characterized by a return to traditional values and styles in literature, as well as a new focus on satire and wit.

Some of the most famous writers of the Restoration period include John Dryden, William Wycherley, and Aphra Behn. Dryden was a leading poet and playwright of the period, and his work is known for its wit and satire. Wycherley was a playwright who specialized in comedies of manners, which satirized the social mores of the Restoration court. Behn was a playwright, novelist, and poet who was one of the first professional female writers in England.

The Restoration period also saw the rise of the novel, with the publication of such works as Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and Samuel Richardson’s Pamela. The novel was a new genre that allowed writers to explore more realistic and complex characters and situations than was possible in traditional forms of literature.

The Restoration period was a time of great change and upheaval in English history, and this is reflected in the literature of the period. The writers of the Restoration period were eager to explore new ideas and new forms of expression, and their work helped to shape the development of English literature.
Here are some of the most important characteristics of Restoration literature:

• A return to traditional values and styles
• A new focus on satire and wit
• The rise of the novel
• A focus on realism and complexity

What is main theme of the Restoration period?

The main theme of the Restoration period was rebellion against Puritanism. The Puritans were a group of English Protestants who wanted to “reform” the Church of England. They believed in strict moral standards and a simple lifestyle. The Restoration period, on the other hand, was a time of great social and political change. The monarchy was restored, and with it came a more relaxed attitude towards morality and social behavior.

This change in attitude is reflected in the literature of the Restoration period. Restoration writers were more interested in exploring the human condition than in preaching morality. They wrote about love, sex, and relationships in a way that had never been done before. This new style of writing was called Restoration comedy.

Some of the most famous Restoration comedies include:

• The Country Wife by William Wycherley
• The Way of the World by William Congreve
• The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

These plays are full of wit, satire, and sexual innuendo. They offer a glimpse into the social and sexual mores of the Restoration period.

In addition to comedy, Restoration literature also includes poetry, novels, and essays. Some of the most famous Restoration poets include:

• John Dryden
• Alexander Pope
• John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester

These poets wrote about a wide range of topics, including love, politics, and religion. They were masters of the rhyming couplet, and their work is still admired today.