Critical Analysis of Restoration Literature
The Restoration period in English literature, spanning from 1660 to around 1689, was a
transformative era that reflected significant political, social, and cultural shifts. The return
of Charles II to the throne marked the end of Puritan rule, leading to a revival of artistic
expression that had been suppressed during the Commonwealth period. Literature of the
Restoration period is characterized by its wit, realism, and engagement with political and
moral themes. The age saw the flourishing of various literary forms, including drama,
poetry, prose, and satire, all of which mirrored the complexities of a society in transition.
One of the most defining aspects of Restoration literature is its theatre. During the Puritan
rule, theatres had been closed due to their association with immorality, but with the
restoration of the monarchy, drama reemerged with vigor. The period saw the rise of
Restoration Comedy, a genre marked by its sharp wit, satirical edge, and often licentious
content. These plays, often performed in the newly reopened theatres, catered to the
tastes of the aristocratic and pleasure-seeking audience of Charles II’s court. Playwrights
like William Congreve and Aphra Behn masterfully captured the social dynamics of the
time, particularly in their portrayals of love, marriage, and deception. The Way of the World
by Congreve is a prime example of the period’s comedic style, characterized by intricate
plots, witty repartee, and a sophisticated critique of societal norms. Aphra Behn, as one of
the first professional female playwrights, broke gender barriers with her work, most notably
The Rover, which combined adventure, romance, and commentary on female agency.
In addition to drama, poetry flourished during the Restoration, with John Dryden emerging
as one of the most influential poets of the time. Dryden’s work reflects the Restoration
ethos, combining neoclassical precision with satirical sharpness. His Absalom and
Achitophel is a political allegory that critiques the unstable political climate of the time,
using biblical figures to comment on contemporary events. The use of the heroic couplet, a
defining feature of Restoration poetry, allowed for a structured and impactful mode of
expression, blending elegance with intellectual rigor. Dryden’s Mac Flecknoe, another
example of Restoration satire, targeted literary mediocrity and was one of the first major
mock-heroic poems in English literature.
Prose writing also underwent significant evolution during the Restoration. The period saw
the rise of early English journalism and essays, with writers engaging in political and
philosophical discourse. John Locke’s An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
became a foundational text in Enlightenment philosophy, emphasizing reason and
empirical thought over religious dogma. Meanwhile, John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress
stood out as a deeply allegorical work, reflecting the continuing influence of Puritan ideals
even in an age of increasing secularism. Unlike the sophisticated wit of Restoration
comedy and poetry, Bunyan’s prose was plain yet powerful, resonating with a broader
audience beyond the courtly elite.
Satire became one of the most potent tools of Restoration literature, as writers sought to
critique both individual folly and broader societal corruption. The libertine court of Charles
II provided ample material for satirical attacks, and literature became a means of both
entertainment and moral reflection. The satirical tradition laid the groundwork for the later
works of Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, who would further refine the genre in the 18th
century. Dryden’s satirical approach in his poetry and plays exemplified the Restoration’s
preoccupation with exposing hypocrisy and folly, particularly in politics and literature.
The Restoration period was not just an age of literary experimentation but also one of
increasing literacy and engagement with literature. The expansion of the printing press
allowed for a wider dissemination of literary works, leading to a more diverse readership.
Women, though still largely excluded from formal education, began to assert their voices in
literature, as seen in the works of Aphra Behn. Her success as a playwright and novelist set
a precedent for future female writers, challenging the male-dominated literary world. This
period, therefore, marks a crucial transition in literary history, bridging the Renaissance’s
artistic grandeur and the Enlightenment’s intellectual rigor.
In conclusion, Restoration literature reflects a society grappling with change—politically,
socially, and morally. The period’s drama captured the extravagant and often cynical world
of the aristocracy, while its poetry and prose engaged with deeper philosophical and
political concerns. The emergence of satire as a dominant literary mode underscores the
period’s critical engagement with power and human nature. Through its diverse literary
forms, the Restoration era laid the groundwork for future developments in English
literature, making it a pivotal period in the evolution of literary expression.
