Puritan and Restoration age : English literature
This blog task is assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir as part of thinking Activity. for more information click here.
Puritan age
Introduction
The puritan age , a period of significant literary and historical changes in England, spanned from 1625-1675. Characterized by a focus on both human experience and religious themes , the puritan emphasized morality and critical thinking. While drama was less prominent during this time , prose and plays flourished. Key figures like John Milton and John Bunyan contributed to the rich literary landscape.
Characteristics of puritan literature
Confusion and Disintegration of old ideals:
- the breakdown of Medieval standards, such as chivalry and romantic ideals.
- The decline of the vision of a national church.
Absence of fixed literary standards:
- Not established standard of literary criticism during this time.
- Emergence of "Metaphysical" poets drawing literary parallels to religious sects like the Anabaptists.
New form of poetry:
- Poetry adopted new , starting forms in the works of John Donne and George Herbert.
Somber prose :
- prose took on darker prose exemplified by works like Burtons 'Anatomy of Melancholy '.
Spiritual Gloom:
- A prevailing sense of spiritual Gloom that was unjustly attributed to puritan influence.
- This gloom was actually due to the collapse of accepted standards in government and religion.
Literary men looking Backwards:
- writers lament the loss of old ideals reflecting on a past as a "golden age ".
Foregleam of a better future:
- Despite the gloomy outlook , the age also contained the promise of a brighter future.
Exquisite Minor poetry :
- The period produced minor poems of exceptional craftsmanship.
Religious and moral themes
Religious discourse
Puritanism is defined primarily by the intensity of the religious experience that is fostered. Puritan belived that it was necessary to be in a convenant relationship with God in order to be redeemed from one's sinful condition, that God had chosen to reveal salvation through preaching and that the holy spirit was the energizing instrument of salvation.
Symbolism
In puritan age symbolism played a crucial role for conveying the deep religious and moral themes of the period. Works such as Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The scarlet letter" used symbol like the scarlet letter itself to explore the tension between public morality and private guilt , illustrating the conflict between public morality and private guilt through these symbols puritans writers delved into their beliefs about divine Providence and moral redemption.
Influence of biblical text
Puritans held deep religious beliefs based on their own perspective of Christianity. The Bible played on important role in the daily lives of puritans . Families attended church regularly and read the Bible in their homes. Due to this influence, most puritan writing based on the style of the Bible.
Influence of English civil war on the literature
The English civil war significantly influenced literature and art by inspiring new themes , styles , and genere reflecting the era's social and political Upheavals.
The English civil war a period of intense political and social upheaval, had a profound impact on the art particularly literature and visual art.
In literature the civil war led to a surge in political pamphleteering, as both realists and parliamentarians used print as a means to propagate their views and really support. This period saw the rise of polemical written with author such as John Milton using their works to argue passionately for their political beliefs. Milton's ' Areopagitica 'a polemical against censorship, is a prime example of this . That war also inspired a wealth of poetry , with writer like Andrew Marvell and John Dryden reflecting on the conflict and its aftermath in their works.
John Milton
Milton is best known for Paradise Lost, widely regarded as the greatest epic poem in English. Together with Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes, it confirms Milton’s reputation as one of the greatest English poets. In his prose works Milton advocated the abolition of the Church of England and the execution of Charles I. From the beginning of the English Civil Wars in 1642 to long after the restoration of Charles II as king in 1660, he espoused in all his works a political philosophy that opposed tyranny and state-sanctioned religion.
John Bunyan
John Bunyan was an English writer and preacher, best known for his allegorical work 'The Pilgrim's Progress', which remains a classic of Christian literature. Born in Bedfordshire to a poor family, Bunyan received little formal education but later joined the Parliamentarian army during the English Civil War. After the war, he became a lay preacher for the Puritans and was imprisoned multiple times for his nonconformist religious beliefs. During his imprisonment, Bunyan wrote 'The Pilgrim's Progress', which reflects his spiritual journey and theological convictions. His works continue to be influential in religious and literary circles.
Restoration age
The Restoration Age marks a significant period in English history, beginning with the return of Charles II to the throne, restoring the monarchy after the English Civil War and the Puritan Commonwealth. Literature during this period, especially drama, flourished, with the emergence of witty, satirical, and often licentious works by playwrights like John Dryden and William Wycherley. It was also an age of scientific inquiry, influenced by figures like Sir Isaac Newton, and the development of political and philosophical thought, with thinkers like John Locke contributing to new ideas about governance and society.
Defining feature of Restoration literature
Political and Religious Turmoil
political and religious conflicts, such as the struggles between monarchy and parliament, Protestantism and Catholicism, shaped much of the literature during this period. Writers addressed issues of power, loyalty, and the role of the monarch, as seen in Dryden's works like Absalom and Achitophel and The Hind and the Panther.
Formalism
-The Restoration writers opposed the extravagance of thought and language that was prevalent in the Elizabethan and Puritan ages.
-They emphasized close reasoning rather than romantic fancy, and used short, clean-cut sentences without unnecessary words.
-This formalism was influenced by French literature and the Royal Society's emphasis on simplicity and directness.
Simple and Direct Prose Style
-The Restoration writers adopted a simpler and more direct prose style, influenced by French writers and the Royal Society's emphasis on clarity and concision.
-This style was characterized by a focus on precise and elegant language, rather than ornate or flowery language.
Prevalence of the Heroic Couplet in Poetry
-The Restoration writers adopted the heroic couplet as a popular poetic form, consisting of two iambic pentameter lines that rhyme together.
-This form was popularized by poets such as Waller and Dryden, who used it consistently in their poetry.
-The heroic couplet became a dominant literary fashion in England for over a century, with many poets using it to express their thoughts and ideas.
Emergence of satire and comedy in Restoration period
The emergence of satire and comedy during the Restoration period was a response to the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of the time. literary forms provided a means to critique, satirize, and expose the flaws of the ruling class, the aristocracy, and the broader society. Through their wit, humor, and social commentary, Restoration satirists and comedians left a lasting impact on English literature.
John Dryden
John Dryden (1631-1700) was a prominent English poet, playwright, and critic of the Restoration era. He is considered one of the greatest English poets of his time and is often referred to as the "father of English criticism." Dryden's major contributions to English literature include his satires, heroic couplets, and critical essays. His satires, such as "Absalom and Achitophel" and "MacFlecknoe," were highly influential and helped to shape the political landscape of the Restoration period. His critical essays, such as "An essay Of Dramatic Poesy," provided valuable insights into the theory and practice of literature and helped to establish critical standards for English writers. Dryden's work continues to be studied and admired for its wit, intelligence, and enduring relevance.
William congreve
William Congreve was a prominent English playwright of the Restoration era, renowned for his witty dialogue, insightful characterizations, and sophisticated comedies of manners. His major contributions to English literature include plays like "The Old Bachelor", "The Double-Dealer", "Love for Love", and "The Way of the World". Congreve's comedies often satirized the social and political climate of the time, while also exploring themes of love, marriage, and class. His plays are celebrated for their brilliance, wit, and enduring relevance, making him one of the most influential figures in Restoration comedy.
Conclusion
The Puritan Age and the Restoration Age were two distinct periods in English literary and cultural history. The Puritan Age, deeply influenced by religious and moral ideals, saw the emergence of profound literary works that grappled with spiritual and societal dilemmas. The literature of this period was characterized by its introspection, spiritual gloom, and reflection on lost ideals, as seen in the works of John Milton and John Bunyan. In contrast, the Restoration Age, with the return of the monarchy, embraced a more secular, witty, and satirical literary style, with drama and satire flourishing under the influence of writers like John Dryden and William Congreve.
References
Characteristics and Themes of Puritan Literature.” Mrs. Britten's English Zone, https://www.brittensenglishzone.com/characteristics-and-themes-of-puritan-literature.html. Accessed 18 September 2024.
Hunter, Allyson. “Puritans in The Scarlet Letter | Overview, Culture & Analysis - Lesson.” Study.com, https://study.com/academy/lesson/puritanism-in-the-scarlet-letter.html. Accessed 18 September 2024.
Labriola, Albert C. “John Milton | Biography, Poems, Paradise Lost, Quotes, & Facts.” Britannica, 16 August 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Milton. Accessed 18 September 2024.
“Puritanism | Definition, History, Beliefs, & Facts.” Britannica, 14 September 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Puritanism. Accessed 18 September 2024.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment