Puritanism and Restoration: Restoration Drama
The period of Puritanism and Restoration in England marks one of the most significant shifts in English social, political, and cultural history, and has a profound impact on the development of English drama. The change from Puritan rule to the Restoration of the monarchy (1660) led to a dramatic transformation in the nature of English theatre. The restoration of Charles II to the throne in 1660 not only signaled the end of Puritan rule but also brought about the reopening of theatres that had been closed for 18 years under the Puritans. This era saw the rebirth of English drama, particularly in the form of Restoration comedy, which was marked by wit, sexual innuendo, and satire.
1. Puritanism and Its Impact on Drama
Puritanism was a religious and political movement that sought to purify the Church of England and remove any remnants of Catholicism. During the Commonwealth period (1649–1660), under Oliver Cromwell’s leadership, England was governed as a republic, and Puritan values became dominant. Puritans believed that theatre, along with many other forms of entertainment, was immoral and sinful. They viewed plays as disruptive, encouraging immorality, licentiousness, and falsehood, and as a result, public theatres were closed in 1642. The Puritans banned theatrical performances, censoring not just plays, but also many aspects of public life that were seen as promoting vice.
- Puritan Censorship: Theatres were ordered to shut down, and acting was considered a sinful profession. Public entertainment like plays was replaced with more austere, religious activities.
- Theatre as a Symbol of Decadence: The Puritans believed that theatre was associated with moral decay and hedonism, which they saw as a threat to their vision of a righteous, God-fearing society.
2. The Restoration of the Monarchy (1660)
In 1660, with the death of Cromwell and the collapse of the Commonwealth, Charles II was restored to the English throne, an event known as the Restoration. This period witnessed the revival of English theatre, which had been dormant under the Puritans. With the return of the king, theatres reopened, and the social climate became more permissive. Charles II himself, having spent time in France during his exile, was deeply influenced by French culture, especially its theatre, and he encouraged the flourishing of the dramatic arts in England.
Key changes that occurred during the Restoration:
- Theatres Reopened: Theatres were reopened in 1660, and professional acting troupes were re-established.
- Royal Support: King Charles II actively supported the arts, and under his patronage, theatre became more popular than ever. He also granted royal patents to two companies of actors—The King's Company and The Duke's Company—which were responsible for the professional production of plays.
- Women on Stage: One of the major changes during the Restoration was the appearance of women on stage. Prior to this, all roles were played by men, but after the Restoration, female actors were introduced, allowing for more realistic portrayals of women in drama.
3. Restoration Drama: Characteristics and Themes
The drama of the Restoration period (1660–1700) is often referred to as Restoration drama or Restoration comedy, and it is characterized by several distinct features:
A. Comedy of Manners
- The most prominent genre of the time was the Comedy of Manners, which focused on the social lives, manners, and morals of the English aristocracy.
- The characters in these plays were often witty, sarcastic, and indulgent, reflecting the extravagant lifestyle of the nobility.
- Restoration comedies were typically filled with sexual innuendos, cynicism, and satire of the upper class, particularly in their attitudes toward love, marriage, and morality.
B. Restoration Satire
- The Restoration period was a time of political instability and social upheaval, and satire became an important literary tool in plays. Playwrights used satire to comment on contemporary society, especially targeting the excesses and hypocrisies of the court, the nobility, and social norms.
- Writers used satire to mock social conventions, examine human behavior, and criticize political and moral corruption.
- Restoration drama’s satirical tone often aimed at the political class, the monarchy, and the moral pretensions of society.
C. Realism and Complex Characters
- Restoration plays often depicted complex characters who were morally ambiguous. Characters were frequently involved in romantic intrigues, infidelities, and deceptions.
- The plays also reflected a growing interest in realism, with characters who were more reflective of the human condition—selfish, ambitious, and driven by personal desire, rather than idealized figures.
D. Themes of Sexuality and Social Norms
- The plays often dealt openly with issues of sexuality, infidelity, and marriage. A libertine attitude prevailed in many Restoration comedies, where sexual freedom and amorality were depicted as part of the characters’ everyday lives.
- Marriage was often portrayed as a social contract or as a means of securing social status or wealth, rather than a sacred or moral institution.
4. Key Playwrights and Works
Several important playwrights and their works helped define the Restoration drama:
A. William Congreve (1670–1729)
- "The Way of the World" (1700) is considered one of the finest Restoration comedies. It critiques the hypocrisy of social conventions, particularly focusing on marriage and the moral maneuverings of the English upper class. Congreve’s plays are known for their sharp wit, complex characters, and satirical commentary on society.
B. Aphra Behn (1640–1689)
- Aphra Behn was one of the first women to achieve prominence as a playwright. Her most famous work, "The Rover" (1677), is a comedy of manners that deals with themes of love, infidelity, and gender dynamics. Behn’s plays often challenged social norms and expressed a feminist perspective.
C. Sir George Etherege (1636–1692)
- Etherege was known for his light, witty comedies, and his play "The Man of Mode" (1676) exemplifies the genre of the Comedy of Manners. The play mocks the behavior of the fashionable society, particularly their attitudes towards love, honor, and manners.
D. John Dryden (1631–1700)
- Although better known for his work as a poet and critic, Dryden was also an important dramatist. His tragic-comedy "All for Love" (1678), a reworking of Shakespeare’s "Antony and Cleopatra", is one of his most famous works.
5. Legacy of Restoration Drama
Restoration drama had a lasting influence on English theatre and drama that continued into the 18th century and beyond:
- Comedy of Manners: The Comedy of Manners influenced later playwrights such as Richard Sheridan and Oscar Wilde, whose plays continued the tradition of social commentary and satirical humor.
- Sexual Themes: The open discussion of sexual themes in Restoration drama paved the way for later explorations of sexuality in literature and drama, continuing through the Victorian and modern eras.
- Realism and Social Critique: The realism and psychological complexity of characters in Restoration drama foreshadowed later developments in both modern drama and novels.
6. Conclusion
Restoration drama marked a turning point in English theatre, transitioning from the Puritan’s austere rejection of theatre to a lively, flourishing period of comedy, satire, and sexual exploration. The restoration of the monarchy brought a return to libertine values, public entertainment, and the exploration of complex, flawed characters. The works of playwrights like William Congreve, Aphra Behn, and John Dryden helped shape a new direction for English drama, one that emphasized social commentary, wit, and morality, which influenced literature well into the 18th century and beyond.