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Restoration period themes by Siti Hajar (190858)

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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