Themes
of the literature works during the Restoration period (1660 – 1685)
The
restoration period begin in 1660 until 1685 after King Charles II restored to
the throne. It is called ‘restoration’ because of the restoration of the
traditional English monarchial form of government. However, this era is also
known as the Age of Dryden because John Dryden was the most remarkable literary
figure during that time and the most important event in literature for this era
is the reopening of the theaters after had been closed since 1642 because of
the Puritans. Famous writers from this period are John Dryden, William
Congreve, Aphra Behn, William Wycherley and John Milton. During this period,
the main themes of the literature are comedy of manners, politics and social
life. However, there are other themes such as faith, restoration of monarchy
and rejection of Puritanism.
King Charles II (left) & John Dryden (right)
Comedy
of manners during restoration period was very popular. The comedies were dirty
with lots of scandalous dialogue focusing on sex. The plot is usually about
unfaithful wives, cuckolded husband and cheaters. The comedies made fun of the
people and sometimes the entire social class. For example, the puritans got
mock a lot because most writers were mad when the theater has been forced to
close down for almost one decade. Other than that, every character is made to
look ridiculous and ugly in these plays. Meanwhile, their characteristics are
dumb and ignorant. All of these were done just for fun and entertainment.
Audience went to these plays during this period just for a good laugh. Examples
of literature work are William Wycherley’s The Country Wife and William
Congreve’s Love for Love which is a comedy about love and money.
Next
main theme is politics. The name of “Restoration” comes from a political event
of the restoration of monarchy in England so it is no big surprise if one of
the themes during this period is political. Political questions such as “What
kind of government is the best for the people? What role does it plays in
society? How does politics shape culture?” were raised during this period.
During this time, England thinks really hard about their politics identity and
so do the Restoration writers by including politics in their writing. Most important
political tract of the Restoration period is John Locke’s Essay Concerning
Human Understanding which was influenced by the American Revolution. Meanwhile,
the famous John Dryden celebrates the restoration of Charles II to the throne
with his Astraea Redux: A Poem on the Happy Restoration and Return of His
Sacred Majesty Charles the Second.
Restoration
writers are more realistic. Their works are not about the nature or
supernatural anymore but they more interested in all the drama that went on in the
society they live. Social manners and social behavior are the big themes during
this period. The writers were obsessed with social life. Common themes of their
works are about love, marriage, scandal, betrayal and wealth. As mentioned
above, William Congreve’s Love for Love is all about money and social class and
romance. In addition, Congreve’s The Way of the World is about the lovers
trying to get married.
So,
during restoration period (1660 – 1685) comedy literatures are famous. Other
than that, other themes such as politics, social life, and minor themes such as
faith, restoration of monarchy and rejection of puritans also have been
integrated in the literature works.
By Siti
Hajar Muhamad Ruzlan (190858)
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