History of English Literature – The Age of Dryden | Restoration Age Features & Writers

History of English Literature – The Age of Dryden (Restoration Age)

The Age of Dryden (1660–1700), also known as the Restoration Age, begins with the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II in 1660. It is named after John Dryden, the dominant literary figure of the period. This age marks a shift from the seriousness of the Puritan Age to a literature of reason, wit, clarity and social realism.

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Historical Background

• Restoration of Monarchy (1660) – Charles II returned to the throne.
• End of Puritan Rule – Theatres were reopened after being closed.
• French Influence – Literature influenced by French culture and refinement.
• Scientific Advancement – Growth of rational thinking and enquiry.
• Royal Society (1662) – Encouraged scientific and intellectual development.

The age reflects a transition towards modern thought, realism and rationality.

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Features of the Age of Dryden

• Emphasis on Reason – Literature became logical and balanced.
• Wit and Satire – Writers criticised society through humour.
• Clarity and Simplicity – Simple, direct language replaced complexity.
• Imitation of Classical Models – Inspired by Greek and Roman writers.
• Rise of Heroic Couplets – Became the standard poetic form.
• Realism – Focus on contemporary society and manners.

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John Dryden (1631–1700)

John Dryden is the central figure of the Restoration Age. He was a poet, dramatist, critic, and the first official Poet Laureate of England.

Major Contributions

• Developed the heroic couplet.
• Master of satire and political poetry.
• Wrote influential literary criticism.

Major Works

• Absalom and Achitophel – Political satire.
• Mac Flecknoe – Mock-heroic satire.
• All for Love – Tragic play.
• An Essay of Dramatic Poesy – Important critical work.

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Drama in the Restoration Age

Drama revived after the Puritan ban and became highly popular. Two main types of drama emerged:

1. Comedy of Manners

• Deals with upper-class society and social behaviour.
• Focus on wit, love affairs and hypocrisy.

Writers:

• William Congreve – The Way of the World
• William Wycherley – The Country Wife

2. Heroic Tragedy

• Deals with honour, love and heroism.
• Written in rhymed heroic couplets.

Writer: John Dryden

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Poetry

• Use of heroic couplets.
• Satirical and political themes.
• Focus on reason rather than emotion.

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Prose Writers

• John Dryden – Literary criticism.
• John Locke – Philosophy (Essay Concerning Human Understanding).
• Samuel Pepys – Diaries.

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Language and Style

• Clear, simple and direct language.
• Use of balance and symmetry.
• Less imagination, more logic.
• Influence of classical rules.

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Importance of the Age of Dryden

• Beginning of Neoclassical literature.
• Development of satire and criticism.
• Revival of drama.
• Foundation for the Augustan Age.

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Quick Revision Table

Aspect	Details
Period	1660–1700
Other Name	Restoration Age
Main Writer	John Dryden
Key Form	Heroic Couplet
Features	Reason, satire, clarity, realism
Drama Type	Comedy of Manners, Heroic Tragedy
Language	Simple and logical
Significance	Start of Neoclassical literature

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Conclusion

The Age of Dryden marks a shift towards modern literary values such as reason, clarity and realism. Dryden’s influence on poetry, drama and criticism shaped the future of English literature and laid the foundation for the Augustan Age.

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