The term Restoration refers to the return of monarchy to England with the crowning of Charles II in 1660. However, the restored monarchy was constitutional in nature, which meant that the newly-installed Parliament introduced checks and balances to the previously-untrammelled powers of the monarchy. The Restoration immediately followed a period of social and political upheaval and a short-lived “Protectorate” under Oliver Cromwell.
The most well-known literary genre of the Restoration was drama, especially comedy drama, although it must be said that a large number of tragedy dramas were also staged during this time.
Restoration comedy was usually based in and around London and specialized in lampooning upper class pretensions. Restoration comedy was multifaceted and included three main sub-genres: comedy of manners, humor, and intrigue.
The leading group of 5 comic playwrights of the Restoration period, popularly known as the Big Five, included George Etherege, William Congreve, William Wycherley, George Farquhar, and Sir John Vanbrugh. The primary aim of the Big Five was to rip the mask off the English upper classes and expose the rank hypocrisy, immorality, and corruption that festered within. Their comedies contained a great number of intrigues, especially concerning marriage and morality. Satire was used to great effect, as were character types, such as the innocent widow or the gullible young man. Stock social situations such as cuckoldry and amorous pursuits were par for the course, as were adultery and gossip.
The most well-known literary genre of the Restoration was drama, especially comedy drama, although it must be said that a large number of tragedy dramas were also staged during this time.
Restoration comedy was usually based in and around London and specialized in lampooning upper class pretensions. Restoration comedy was multifaceted and included three main sub-genres: comedy of manners, humor, and intrigue.
The leading group of 5 comic playwrights of the Restoration period, popularly known as the Big Five, included George Etherege, William Congreve, William Wycherley, George Farquhar, and Sir John Vanbrugh. The primary aim of the Big Five was to rip the mask off the English upper classes and expose the rank hypocrisy, immorality, and corruption that festered within. Their comedies contained a great number of intrigues, especially concerning marriage and morality. Satire was used to great effect, as were character types, such as the innocent widow or the gullible young man. Stock social situations such as cuckoldry and amorous pursuits were par for the course, as were adultery and gossip.
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