The Puritan, Restoration and Augustan Ages in Literature England's literary landscape underwent a remarkable transformation during the 17th and 18th centuries, marked by three distinct eras: the Puritan Age, the Restoration Age, and the Augustan Age. Each period left an indelible mark on the country's literary canon, contributing to the evolution of writing styles, thematic explorations, and the emergence of influential authors whose works continue to captivate readers today. Defining the Puritan Age (1620-1660) 1 Religious Devotion 2 Political Upheaval 3 Practical Prose The Puritan Age was This period coincided with the Puritan writers favored a characterized by a deep religious English Civil War and the rise of practical, straightforward style of fervor, with writers focusing on Oliver Cromwell's Puritan writing, eschewing elaborate themes of spiritual introspection, Commonwealth, leading to a flourishes in favor of clear, moral righteousness, and the strong emphasis on political and concise language that conveyed relationship between the social commentary in literature. their moral and religious individual and God. messages. Key Puritan Writers and Works John Milton Anne Bradstreet John Bunyan Known for his epic poem "Paradise One of the earliest published The author of the allegorical novel Lost," which explores the biblical story American poets, Bradstreet's writings "The Pilgrim's Progress," Bunyan's of the Fall of Man, Milton's work reflect the Puritan values of her time, work is considered a masterpiece of exemplifies the Puritan emphasis on while also offering a unique female Puritan literature, using vivid imagery spiritual themes and the role of the perspective on the challenges and and symbolism to depict the spiritual individual in the divine plan. joys of colonial life. journey of the individual. The Restoration Age (16601700) Monarchy Restored The Restoration Age began with the return of the English monarchy under Charles II, marking a shift away from the austerity and political upheaval of the Puritan era. Celebration of Pleasure Restoration writers embraced a more lighthearted, hedonistic approach, celebrating courtly life, romantic love, and the pursuit of pleasure in their works. Dramatic Innovations The stage saw a renaissance during this period, with the emergence of new dramatic forms such as the Restoration comedy, which often satirized the excesses of upper-class society. Influential Restoration Dramatists and Poets William Congreve Aphra Behn A leading Restoration dramatist, Congreve's plays, such as "The Way One of the first professional female playwrights in England, Behn's of the World," are renowned for their witty dialogue, intricate plots, plays, such as "The Rover," challenged societal norms and explored and scathing social satire. themes of gender, power, and sexuality. 1 2 John Dryden Considered the foremost poet of the Restoration era, Dryden's works, including "Absalom and Achitophel," blend political commentary, heroic couplets, and a mastery of language. 3 The Augustan Age (1700-1750) Neoclassical Ideals Satire and Social Critique The Augustan Age was marked Augustan writers used their by a renewed interest in the works as vehicles for social classical ideals of order, reason, commentary, often employing and balance, which were satirical techniques to critique the reflected in the literary works of excesses and foibles of the period. contemporary society. Emerging Women Writers The Augustan Age saw the continued rise of women writers, who challenged traditional gender roles and explored themes of power, identity, and the human condition. Alexander Pope and the Rise of Satire Mastery of Verse Incisive Satire Neoclassical Influences Pope's poetic virtuosity, particularly in Pope's works, such as "The Rape of the Pope's adherence to classical ideals of his use of the heroic couplet, is widely Lock" and "An Essay on Man," exemplify balance, reason, and decorum shaped acclaimed and has had a lasting the Augustan penchant for using satire his literary style and contributed to the influence on English literature. to expose the follies and hypocrisy of Augustan aesthetic. society. Jonathan Swift and Scathing Social Critique Satire and Social Commentary Exploration of the Human Condition Swift's works, such as "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal," Beneath Swift's satirical veneer lies a deep exploration of the are renowned for their biting satire and scathing social human condition, as he grapples with themes of power, morality, commentary, which often used exaggeration and absurdity to and the inherent contradictions of human nature. expose the hypocrisy and flaws of his contemporaries. Aphra Behn and the Emergence of Women Writers Pioneering Playwright Aphra Behn was one of the first professional female playwrights in England, paving the way for future generations of women writers. Challenging Gender Norms Behn's plays, such as "The Rover," explored themes of gender, power, and sexuality, challenging the traditional societal norms of her time. Diverse Literary Contributions In addition to her dramatic works, Behn also produced poetry, translations, and prose fiction, showcasing her versatility as a writer. The Legacy of the Three Literary Eras 1 Lasting Influence The Puritan, Restoration, and 3 2 Evolving Styles and Themes Augustan Ages have left an Each era saw the development indelible mark on English of distinct literary styles, from literature, with the works and the straightforward prose of the ideas of their influential writers Puritans to the witty satire of the continuing to shape and inspire Augustans, reflecting the contemporary literature and changing social, political, and culture. cultural landscapes of the time. Diverse Perspectives The emergence of women writers, such as Anne Bradstreet and Aphra Behn, during these periods challenged traditional gender roles and offered new, diverse voices and perspectives within the literary canon.
