The Puritan Age and the Restoration Age: A Literary and Historical Overview

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's blog for background reading: Click here.

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1. Introduction:

The Puritan Age (1625–1660) and the Restoration Age (1660–1700) are two contrasting periods in English history that greatly influenced its literary production. While the Puritan era was marked by moral rigidity, religious fervor, and the political turmoil of the English Civil War, the Restoration age celebrated the return of the monarchy and ushered in a period of cultural resurgence, characterized by satire, wit, and libertinism. This blog will explore these two pivotal moments in English literature, examining the historical and cultural forces that shaped them and discussing the works of key writers like John Milton, John Bunyan, John Dryden, and William Congreve.

2. The Puritan Age (1625–1660):

Video on Puritans (The Killjoys of History) on YouTube/Simple History: Click here.

2.1. Historical Context:

The Puritan Age is intrinsically linked to the English Civil War (1642–1651) and the rise of Puritanism, a religious reform movement that sought to "purify" the Church of England of its remaining Catholic practices. The Puritans, led by figures like Oliver Cromwell, believed in a simple, pious life guided by moral and religious discipline. This period also witnessed the execution of King Charles I in 1649, a monumental event that led to the establishment of the Commonwealth under Cromwell's rule. As a result, Puritan ideals permeated the social and moral fabric of English life, deeply affecting the literature of the time.

As William J. Long states in 'English Literature',

"We shall understand it better if we remember that it had two chief objects: the first was personal righteousness; the second was civil and religious liberty. In other words, it aimed to make men honest and to make them free."

This reformist zeal was reflected in the literature, which often focused on spiritual introspection, the struggle between good and evil, and the individual's relationship with God.

2.2. Literary Themes:

Puritan literature is characterized by its deep religious conviction and moral seriousness. The works of this period often reflect the Puritans' belief in predestination, divine providence, and the frailty of human nature. There is a marked focus on spiritual introspection and the eternal struggle between salvation and damnation. As Long notes,

"Protestantism is the doctrine of salvation by grace, and no writer has equaled Bunyan in making this doctrine understood."

The use of biblical references, allegory, and symbolism became prominent during this era, as writers sought to express complex theological ideas. The Puritans were wary of art for art’s sake, instead emphasizing the moral function of literature. Works were often didactic, aiming to guide readers toward a life of virtue and religious devotion. This emphasis on moral instruction is evident in the works of John Milton and John Bunyan, two of the most significant literary figures of the time.

2.3. Key Writers: John Milton and John Bunyan:

John Milton

Paradise Lost

John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' (1667) stands as one of the greatest achievements of Puritan literature. The epic poem, which tells the story of the Fall of Man, is a profound exploration of free will, obedience, and the nature of good and evil. Milton's portrayal of Satan as a complex, almost heroic figure reflects the Puritan preoccupation with the battle between sin and redemption. Milton's deep religious convictions are evident throughout the poem, which is imbued with biblical imagery and themes of divine justice. As Edward Albert points out in 'A History of English Literature',

"Milton alone, and even in the prose of Milton to a considerable extent, we find satisfying quantity and quality."

John Bunyan

The Pilgrim's Progress

John Bunyan, another prominent writer of the Puritan era, is best known for his allegorical work 'The Pilgrim's Progress' (1678). This Christian allegory follows the journey of a man named Christian as he navigates various spiritual trials on his way to the Celestial City. Like Milton, Bunyan's writing is steeped in biblical references and reflects the Puritan belief in the struggle between good and evil. 'The Pilgrim's Progress' is notable for its simple yet powerful language, which made it accessible to a wide audience. Bunyan's work epitomizes the Puritan focus on spiritual enlightenment and the individual's quest for salvation.

3. The Restoration Age (1660–1700):

Video Lecture on 'The Age of Dryden' on YouTube/CEC: Click here.

3.1. Historical Context:

The Restoration Age began in 1660 with the restoration of King Charles II to the English throne after the collapse of the Puritan-led Commonwealth. This period marked a dramatic shift in English society and culture, as the rigid moral codes of the Puritan era gave way to a more hedonistic, secular outlook. The monarchy’s return also signaled a revival of the arts, including the reopening of theaters, which had been closed during the Puritan regime. This resurgence of artistic expression was accompanied by a renewed interest in classical literature, philosophy, and science.

Edward Albert notes that

"The chief thing to note in England during the Restoration is the tremendous social reaction from the restraints of Puritanism, which suggests the wide swing of a pendulum from one extreme to the other."

This shift in societal values had a profound impact on the literature of the time, which moved away from the religious themes of the Puritan era and embraced satire, wit, and a more worldly outlook.

3.2. Literary Themes:

Restoration literature is characterized by its satirical tone, focus on social commentary, and celebration of worldly pleasures. The strict moral and religious values that dominated Puritan literature were replaced by a more cynical, pragmatic view of human nature. Satire became a popular literary form during this period, as writers used wit and humor to critique society, politics, and human folly. The comedies of the Restoration period, in particular, reflect the shift in tone from the moral seriousness of the Puritan era to a more playful, irreverent approach to life and literature.

Restoration comedy, often referred to as "comedy of manners," explored themes of love, marriage, and sexual intrigue, often highlighting the hypocrisies and absurdities of the upper class. These comedies were marked by their sharp dialogue, complex plots, and an emphasis on wit and cleverness. As William J. Long observes,

"From romance, writers turned to realism; from Italian influence with its exuberance of imagination they turned to France, and learned to repress the emotions, to follow the head rather than the heart, and to write in a clear, concise, formal style, according to set rules."

3.3. Key Writers: John Dryden and William Congreve:

John Dryden

Absalom and Achitophel

John Dryden was one of the most influential writers of the Restoration period, known for his poetry, drama, and literary criticism. Dryden’s 'Absalom and Achitophel' (1681) is a masterful political satire that uses biblical allegory to comment on contemporary political events, particularly the Exclusion Crisis. In this work, Dryden demonstrates his skill in blending classical forms with modern political themes, reflecting the Restoration era’s fascination with both the classical past and current affairs. Dryden's influence extended to the stage, where he wrote numerous plays, including 'Marriage à la Mode' (1672), which exemplifies the witty, sophisticated tone of Restoration comedy.

William Congreve

The Way of the World

William Congreve, another significant playwright of the Restoration period, is best known for his comedy 'The Way of the World' (1700). This play, considered one of the finest examples of Restoration comedy, explores themes of love, marriage, and social ambition. Congreve’s sharp, witty dialogue and complex characters reflect the Restoration’s emphasis on cleverness and social satire. In 'The Way of the World', Congreve critiques the superficiality and moral laxity of the upper class, using humor and irony to expose the flaws of Restoration society.

4. Conclusion: The Transition from Puritan to Restoration Literature:

The transition from the Puritan Age to the Restoration Age represents a dramatic shift in both societal values and literary expression. While the Puritan era was dominated by religious and moral concerns, focusing on spiritual introspection and the quest for salvation, the Restoration period embraced a more secular, worldly outlook, characterized by satire, wit, and social commentary. This shift reflects the broader cultural changes that accompanied the restoration of the monarchy, as England moved away from the strict moral codes of the Puritan regime and entered a new era of artistic and intellectual exploration.

Both periods produced significant literary works that continue to be studied and appreciated today. The Puritan writers, like Milton and Bunyan, left a lasting legacy with their profound explorations of faith, morality, and the human condition. Meanwhile, the Restoration writers, like Dryden and Congreve, shaped the future of English literature with their innovative use of satire, comedy, and wit.

In understanding these two contrasting periods, we gain insight into the complex interplay between history, society, and literature, and how each era's values are reflected in its artistic production. As Edward Albert aptly summarizes,

"Let us see in what respects the new spirit is shown... the Restoration involved our literature in the deepest degree; subject and style took on a new spirit and outlook, a different attitude and aim."

References:

1. Albert, Edward, and James Alfred Stone. History of English Literature. 1979.

2. Barad, Dilip. “Puritan and Restoration Age: English Literature.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 14 Feb. 2021, blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/02/puritan-and-restoration-age-english.html. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.

3. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Puritanism". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Sep. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Puritanism. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.

4. Long, William J. English Literature. Maple Press Pvt Limited, 2012.

5. Nelson, E. Clifford , Bainton, Roland H. , Chadwick, W. Owen , Spalding, James C. and Marty, Martin E.. "Protestantism". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Sep. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Protestantism. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.

Thank you!