Restoration Period refers to the time beginning in 1660 when the English, Scottish, and Irish monarchies were restored under Charles II.
The term applies to both the actual restoration event and the following period.
Signifies the revival of British lifestyle and enjoyment, often leading to excess.
Major Changes during the Restoration
Theatre Reopening: Theatres were reopened after a long closure.
Music: Music was reintroduced in churches.
Literature Flourishing: A significant expansion in literary output.
Employment of Actresses: Actresses were allowed in theatre, breaking earlier norms.
Historical Context
The reign of Charles I was marked by significant turmoil, leading to a Civil War.
In 1649, the execution of Charles I led to a Republican government under Oliver Cromwell.
Following Cromwell's death in 1658, the protectorate was in decline and in 1660, Charles II was restored by Parliament.
The Restoration of the English Monarchy
Charles II was recrowned after an exile in France, accompanied by supporters.
This period introduced a literary trend where English literature sought to imitate French literature, contrasting with the earlier Italian influences of the Elizabethan era.
Both positive and negative influences from this period were incorporated into British culture.
About King Charles II
Notable Traits:
Exhibited a love for wealth, color, and horse racing.
Had notable mistresses who enjoyed lavish meals and theatre.
Encouraged advances in science, endorsing the Royal Society which included eminent figures like Isaac Newton.
Throughout his reign, he maintained beliefs aligned with the Church of England but later admitted to being a Roman Catholic.
The Black Death Overview
The Black Death, or Bubonic Plague, struck Europe between 1346-1352 and resulted in over half of the continent's population dying.
In England, the first case appeared in 1348, swiftly spreading and killing a significant portion of the population.
A resurgence occurred between 1361-1362, with further outbreaks in the following centuries.
Living Conditions under King Charles II
Conditions in London were dire, with poor sanitation and cramped housing reminiscent of medieval times.
The bubonic plague returned during his reign, leading to thousands of deaths weekly, with bodies hastily buried in mass graves.
Impact of Ten Major Pandemics
Leprosy - 11th Century
Black Death - 1350 (200 million deaths)
Great Plague of London - 1665
Cholera - 1817
Russian Flu - 1889
Spanish Flu - 1918
Asian Flu - 1957
HIV/AIDS - 1981
SARS - 2003
Covid-19 - 2020
Literary Developments
New Literary Styles
Realism and Formalism emerged, emphasizing direct depiction over elaborate prose characteristic of the Elizabethan period.
Poetry Development
John Dryden (1631-1700): The foremost poet of the period known for his political and religious satirical works.
Utilized Heroic couplets in pieces like Absalom and Architophel.
Prose Development
Prose saw contributions from Dryden, who favored concise language, along with writers like John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys, who used everyday language.
John Bunyan (1628-1688) emerged as a significant voice, known for his allegorical work The Pilgrim's Progress.
Drama Development
Theatres were not only reopened but also flourished with the genre of Restoration Comedy.
Works often critiqued the morality of society, showing sensuous and often risqué themes.