Puritan & Restoration Age

PURITAN AGE :

The Puritan Age, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, was a significant period in English history marked by religious, political, and cultural upheaval.

 Historical background :

Religious Context: The Puritan movement emerged as a reaction against the perceived excesses and corruptions of the Church of England. Puritans sought to “purify” the church and return to what they considered a more biblical form of Christianity. This period saw intense religious persecution, leading many Puritans to emigrate to America in search of religious freedom.

Political Context: The Puritan Age was also characterized by political strife, particularly during the reign of Charles I. His conflicts with Parliament, including his refusal to sign the Petition of Right, led to the English Civil War (1642-1651). The war ended with the execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

Cultural Impact: The Puritans had a profound influence on English literature and culture. Their writings often reflected their religious beliefs and values, emphasizing themes of morality, piety, and the human struggle against sin. Notable literary figures from this period include John Milton, known for his epic poem “Paradise Lost,” and John Bunyan, author of "The Pilgrim’s Progress".

Literary Characteristics: Puritan literature often featured first-person narratives, including journals, diaries, and letters. These works provided personal accounts of the Puritans’ experiences, struggles, and religious reflections. The literature of this age was marked by its plain style, focusing on clarity and directness to convey religious and moral messages.

Puritan literature, which flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries, is deeply rooted in religious and moral themes. Here are the main characteristics:

1. Religious Devotion

Puritan literature is profoundly religious. It reflects the Puritans’ deep religious convictions, emphasizing the importance of salvation, personal piety, and living a moral life. For example, John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost” explores themes of sin, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil.

2. Plain Style

Puritan writing is characterized by its plain and direct style. The Puritans believed that writing should be clear and straightforward to convey God’s message effectively. This style avoids elaborate metaphors and complex language. William Bradford’s “Of Plymouth Plantation” is a good example, as it narrates the experiences of the Pilgrims in a simple, unadorned manner.

3. Moral and Didactic Content

Puritan literature often aims to teach moral lessons. It is didactic, meaning it instructs readers on how to live a virtuous life according to Christian values. John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is an allegory that illustrates the journey of a Christian towards salvation, teaching readers about the virtues of faith and perseverance.

4. Symbolism

Puritan writers frequently used symbolism, especially from the Bible, to convey deeper meanings. For instance, in “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” the character “Christian” represents every believer, and his journey symbolizes the spiritual journey of life.

5. Themes of Predestination and Original Sin

Puritan literature often explores the themes of predestination (the belief that God has already chosen who will be saved) and original sin (the belief that all humans are born sinners). These themes highlight the Puritans’ belief in the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the need for divine grace. This is evident in the sermons of Jonathan Edwards, such as “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” which emphasizes the idea of predestination and the need for repentance.

QUESTION : :  How did the English Civil War influence Puritan literature?

The English Civil War (1642-1651) had a significant impact on Puritan literature. This period was marked by intense conflict between the Royalists, who supported King Charles I, and the Parliamentarians, who were largely Puritans. The war influenced Puritan literature in several ways:

Themes of Struggle and Faith: Puritan writers often focused on themes of religious struggle and faith. The war was seen as a battle between good (the Parliamentarians) and evil (the Royalists). For example, John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” reflects the Puritan belief in the struggle between good and evil, and the importance of faith and obedience to God.

Political and Religious Criticism: The war led to a rise in political and religious criticism in literature. Puritan writers used their works to criticize the monarchy and the Church of England. John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is an allegory that criticizes the corruption in the church and promotes the Puritan values of simplicity and piety.

Personal Reflections and Diaries: Many Puritans wrote personal diaries and reflections during the war. These writings provide a glimpse into the daily lives and thoughts of people during this tumultuous time. For example, Richard Baxter’s writings reflect his personal struggles and his commitment to the Puritan cause.

Promotion of Puritan Values: Literature from this period often promoted Puritan values such as hard work, piety, and simplicity. These values were seen as essential for the survival and success of the Puritan community. William Bradford’s “Of Plymouth Plantation” is a good example of this, as it chronicles the experiences of the Puritans who settled in America in search of religious freedom.

In summary, the English Civil War deeply influenced Puritan literature by shaping its themes, promoting political and religious criticism, encouraging personal reflections, and reinforcing Puritan values.

QUESTION : Who were two prominent Puritan writers (e.g., John Milton and John Bunyan), and what are their significant works?

John Milton

John Milton (1608-1674) was a highly educated man who studied at Cambridge University. He was deeply involved in the political and religious upheavals of his time, supporting the Puritan cause and serving as a civil servant under Oliver Cromwell. Milton is best known for his epic poem “Paradise Lost”, which tells the story of the fall of man, focusing on Adam and Eve’s temptation by Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. This work reflects Puritan beliefs about sin, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil.

Other notable works by Milton include:

• Paradise Regained: A sequel to “Paradise Lost,” focusing on Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.

• Samson Agonistes: A tragic drama about the biblical figure Samson, exploring themes of faith and perseverance.

• Areopagitica: A notable prose work advocating for the freedom of the press.

John Bunyan

John Bunyan (1628-1688) had a very different background compared to Milton. Born into a poor family with little formal education, he became a powerful preacher and writer. Bunyan spent many years in prison for his religious beliefs, and it was during this time that he wrote his famous allegorical work “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. This book describes the journey of a character named Christian from his hometown, the “City of Destruction,” to the “Celestial City.” It is an allegory of the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance.

Other significant works by Bunyan include:

• Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: An autobiographical account of Bunyan’s spiritual journey and conversion.

• The Life and Death of Mr. Badman: A companion piece to “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” depicting the life of a wicked man and his ultimate downfall.

Both Milton and Bunyan used their writings to express their Puritan beliefs and to inspire others to live pious and faithful lives. Milton’s works are known for their complex language and rich imagery, while Bunyan’s writings are characterized by their straightforward language and vivid storytelling, making complex religious ideas accessible to ordinary people.

RESTORATION AGE :

Restoration literature refers to the works produced during the period following the restoration of the English monarchy in 1660, when Charles II became king. This era, which lasted until around 1700, is known for its unique characteristics and historical context.

Historical Background

The Restoration period began in 1660 when Charles II was restored to the throne after the Puritan Commonwealth period led by Oliver Cromwell. This era marked a shift from the strict, religiously conservative values of the Commonwealth to a more relaxed and hedonistic lifestyle. The reopening of theaters, which had been closed under Puritan rule, symbolized this change and led to a flourishing of the arts.

Defining Features and Influences on Literary Themes and Styles

Satire and Wit: The Restoration period is known for its sharp wit and satirical tone. Writers used satire to critique society and politics. For example, John Dryden’s poem “Mac Flecknoe” mocks the poet Thomas Shadwell, while Samuel Butler’s “Hudibras” ridicules the Puritans and their strict moral codes through the adventures of Sir Hudibras, a bumbling knight.

Comedy of Manners: This genre became popular during the Restoration. These plays focused on the behavior and customs of the upper class, often highlighting their hypocrisy and superficiality. William Wycherley’s play “The Country Wife” satirizes the sexual mores of the upper class through the character of Horner, who pretends to be impotent to seduce married women. George Etherege’s “The Man of Mode” also highlights the deceit and superficiality of high society through the rakish Dorimant and his romantic escapades.

Heroic Drama: Influenced by French Neoclassicism, heroic dramas were grand and often dealt with themes of love and honor. John Dryden’s “The Conquest of Granada” features grandiose characters and elevated language, typical of the genre. Another example is Dryden’s “Aureng-Zebe,” which explores the conflicts and ambitions of the Mughal Empire, blending historical events with dramatic flair.

Restoration Poetry: Poetry during this period often reflected the changing social and political landscape. Dryden’s “Absalom and Achitophel” uses the biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against King David to comment on contemporary political events, particularly the Exclusion Crisis. John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, wrote poems that often reflected the libertine spirit of the age, such as “The Imperfect Enjoyment,” which candidly explores sexual themes.

Prose and Essays: The Restoration period saw the rise of prose and essays as significant literary forms. John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is an allegorical prose work that depicts the journey of a Christian towards salvation. John Locke’s “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” is a foundational philosophical text that explores the nature of human knowledge and understanding, influencing Enlightenment thought.

The restoration of the monarchy brought a renewed focus on royal patronage and courtly culture, which greatly influenced the works produced during this period. Restoration literature reflects the complexities and contradictions of its era, blending humor, critique, and a celebration of the restored monarchy. It remains a fascinating period for its contributions to English literary history.

QUESTION : How did satire and comedy emerge during the Restoration period?

Satire and comedy became very popular during the Restoration period, which started in 1660 when Charles II became king of England. This period was known for its lively and witty literature.

Satire: Writers used satire to criticize and mock the society and politics of their time. They often used humor to point out the flaws and hypocrisy in people’s behavior. For example, John Dryden and Samuel Butler were famous satirists who used their works to comment on the political and social issues of their day1.

Comedy: Restoration comedy was known for its clever dialogue, intricate plots, and humorous situations. These plays often focused on the lives of the upper class and their romantic escapades. Playwrights like William Congreve and William Wycherley were well-known for their comedic works2. Their plays were full of wit and often poked fun at the manners and morals of the time.

In summary, the Restoration period saw the rise of satire and comedy as important literary forms. Writers used these genres to entertain and to critique society, making them a significant part of English literature.

Works Cited

• Albert, Edward, and James Alfred Stone. History of English Literature. Edited by James Alfred Stone, Harrap, 1979.
• Barad, Dilip. “Puritan and Restoration Age: English Literature.” Sunday February 2021, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/02/puritan-and-restoration-age-english .html. Accessed Wednesday September 2024.
• Long, William J. English Literature. Maple Press Pvt. Limited, 2012.
• “The Puritan Age in English Literature: Characteristics, Writers & Their Works.” https://englishsummary.com /, https://englishsummary.com/lesson/the-puritan-age-in-english-literature-characteristics-writers-their-works /.
• “The Puritan Age | PDF | Thomas Middleton | John Milton.” Scribd, https://www.scribd.com/document/488461292/The-Puritan-Age . Accessed 18 September 2024.
• “Puritanism | Definition, History, Beliefs, & Facts.” Britannica, 14 September 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Puritanism . Accessed 18 September 2024.