What are the major features of Age of Dryden?

Age of Dryden

Time period - 1660 to 1700

Also known as - Restoration period or

Neoclassical period or

Age of Pop or Age of Dryden

(Because Major writers of the age are Alexander Pop, John Dryden )

Age of Dryden begins from 1660 after the restoration of monarchy in England. The name of period 'age of Dryden' is flourished from the name of a very popular writer, John Dryden. It is also known as Augustan age because Dryden did for this age that is done by King Augustus for Rome.

After the restoration of king Charles 2 the suppressed activities sprang up and the various forms of literature, especially theater were re introduced . But the two political groups Whigs and Tories came into the power because of religious conflicts and impact the literary works deeply. That's why literature emphasize more on political rather than public affairs.

The literary works are imitated from ancient writers but that romanticism is not there. Influence of French literature especially drama is also seen there and writers start writing heroic plays. The major writers like Dryden copied Elizabethan style, but they bend their works according to their own will and it is known as correct school.

Major events and their impact on literature-

* Restoration -

The restoration of king Charles 2 brought a revolution in literature. It is not only a restoration of monarchy, but also a restoration of drama, and other forms of literature/ activities that are suppressed during the rule of puritan government. The age become very prominent in comedies. Hence , with the collapse of puritan government, the suppressed activities that were considered as immoral, sprang up.

* Religious questions -

Religion of king Charles and his brother was in suspect. There are two major political groups in England that are Whigs and Tories.

Tories (Irish) believe in the authority of king and church. They were following papist laws and hereditary rights of king to rule till further generations. That is why they supported James, even after knowing about his roman Catholic prejudices.

Whigs (Scottish) came in power after excluding their heir James from throne. They are the followers of puritan government and didn't believe in authority of church.

* The revolution- (1688)

James succeeded to the throne in 1685 but soon reveal his Catholic prejudices and rejected in three years . Literature have also faced a great influence by it, and literary works emphasize more political rather than religious side of public affairs.

THE LITERARY TRENDS

Restoration literature signifies a sudden break from the older values. Subject and style took on a new spirit, aim, and attitude. It became classical or neo-classical as against the romanticism of the Elizabethans. It was the rise of "pseudo-classicism". The spirit of the age was embodied in the following trends:

Rise of rationality. Reason became the predominant factor. Imagination was often equated with madness. The "steady direction towards some approved end" was the directing principle. 'Reason' and 'Good Sense' were the watchwords. As a consequence, some kinds of poetry became difficult to write. The establishment of the Royal Society to encourage scientific study was one factor in the growth of reason.Imitation of Ancients, Great classical writers of antiquity was models to be imitated. The ultimate test for excellence, according to Pope, was:

"Learn for ancient rules a just esteem.

To copy Nature is to copy them."