The Restoration Period and the Eighteenth Century 1660-1800

The period got its name from the son of King Charles The period got its name from the son of King Charles. After he was exiled from England, he was returned and crowned King Charles II. The monarchy was restored.

Even though there was no more war, the Restoration gave rise to quarrelsome politics. Less severe divisions that Monarchy or no monarchy were: Strict Monarchy (King or Queen only rules) vs. Constitutional Monarchy (King or Queen rules with help of a parliament (representative body). Strong support for Anglican Church vs. weak support for Anglican Church

With the restoration of the king, England likened itself to the calm order of Augustan Rome. Writers during this period imitated the old Latin classics. This new form was called neoclassical or “new classic.”

During this “Enlightment” age, people began to view things that were once considered natural phenomena by scientific observation. Thus prose written in this period needed to be precise and exact.

This period was the Age of Satire where there were attacks on immorality and bad taste. Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift are regarded as the most accomplished literary artists of the eighteenth century. They were critical and unsatisfied with the squandering of money by the rich.

Words to know Satire - any piece of writing designed to make its readers feel critical of themselves, fellow human beings, or their society. Mock Epic or Mock Heroic – A satirical narrative meant to make fun of the classic Greek epics which were popularly read during the time