Characteristics Literature of Restoration Period

The tone and literary dramas that were generally elegant, cynical, and humorous. Therefore,
it is not surprising that allusions are the most typical form of literature.
The Comedy of Manners is a theatrical genre that was uber-popular during the Restoration
period. These comedies were bawdy and dirty, with lots of hilarious (and scandalous)
dialogue focusing on sex. Their plot lines revolved around unfaithful wives, cuckolded
husbands, and tricky lovers. These comedies made fun of people… and sometimes entire
social classes. Everyone is made to look ridiculous in these plays. People are stupid and
gullible, or else they're amoral and exploitative. But it was all done in the name of fun. 

The Restoration writers developed satire as a genre and a style of writing. These authors
loved picking on people—literary rivals, religious figures, even entire social classes—and
showing just how ridiculous they all were. Restoration writers mastered the art of poking fun
at people.

The Restoration writers were interested in all the drama that went on in the society in which
they lived. Social behavior and social manners are big themes in Restoration literature.The
writers of this period were obsessed with social life: who people fall in love with, who they
want to marry, who they sleep with, who they betray

Example Work of Satire

Mac Flecknoe, by John Dryden (1682)

The poem depicts Shadwell as the heir to the kingdom of poetic ignorance, represented by his
relationship with Richard Flecknoe, a previous poet who had been insinuated by Andrew
Marvell and disliked by Dryden, even though the poet did not use disparaging techniques to
insinuate him.

Dryden really stabbed Shadwell, exposing himself as he was: a bad writer with bad taste, who
would do anything for cheap laughter. Even though it's really unfair to make fun of a man
who looks like this. Maybe it was Shadwell's unfair judgment. He was quite famous in his
day, an important figure, though small, in the literary scene of the English Restoration. But
unfortunately for him, he is best remembered today for playing the starring role in "Mac
Flecknoe,"
Example Work of Society

Love For Love, William Congreve (1695)

Is a comedy play by William Congreve. Written in 1694 and first performed in 1695,
the drama concerns young people looking for a loving marriage in a society where marriages
are financial conveniences.

The protagonist is Valentine. He is an irresponsible young man who doesn’t know

how to manage money. Although he comes from a wealthy family, Valentine is destitute after
drinking and gambling his money away. Valentine’s father, Sir Sampson, confronts him
about his debt problems. Sir Sampson is disappointed in Valentine. He lends his son money
on one condition: Valentine must transfer his inheritance rights to his brother, Ben. Valentine
hates losing his inheritance. but, he needs cash quickly to pursue another objective. he
decides to worry about his future later.

The Famous Work and The Apriciate

Absalom and Achitophel

Is a heroic satire written by John Dryden in 1681-1682
Plot Summary :
With strong and gentle hands, King David ruled Israel in the days before polygamy
was a sin and the craft of the priests began. He spread his seeds throughout the country and
had many offspring, even though his real wife was Michal. Of his illegitimate children, there
is no one more noble and loved than Absalom. Absalom's victory is famous in a field he does
not recognize and is pleasing to the mind and face. David loved her and followed her every
move.

But David's government was not peaceful. The Jews are always fickle and rash who
often bring down their rulers for new ones. They murmured and complained, but nothing
happened when they were divided. The fear of the Jews towards the Jebusite infidels, whose
land they had taken for a long time. The faction fluctuated and began to threaten the
government.
 Achitophel, a wise and intelligent board member, saw this as his moment. He was
passionate about fame, so he decided he had to find a way to destroy David. He realized how
easy it was to swing people, and he turned to the handsome Absalom to become his pawn

Achitophel devised his plans and sent Absalom to the people to lick them and turn
them against his father. Achitophel waged dissent and disquiet. Absalom walks in front of
people and wins their love easily. Its popularity and splendor distracts from the existing plot.
Finally, King David spoke, affirming his legitimacy and power in a way that did not
deny or deny. This secures the downfall of his enemies and his long reign.

Characters :
Absalom
David's beloved son who rebelled against him; stands for James, the Duke of Monmouth,
who sided with the Exclusionists against his father Charles II. He was executed for treason.
Achitophel
David's counselor who betrayed him and encouraged Absalom to rebel against his father. He
hanged himself when he saw that the rebellion would not succeed. He represents Anthony
Ashley Cooper, the first Earl of Shaftesbury.

David
The king of Israel, representing Charles II of England.
Michal
She was the daughter of Saul and the wife of King David. She stands for Catherine of
Braganza, the daughter of John IV of Portugal and wife of Charles II.

Value :
The most common reading of understanding Dryden’s poem Absalom and Achitophel
compares “the connections between fatherhood and kingship”. Through biblical allusions
Dryden connects ancient fatherhood with current events not only to show a precedent, but
also to show how it connects with a royal’s responsibilities.
 The Background of Restoration Period
The Restoration Period is also known as the Dryden Age because Dryden was the
most impressive literary figure of the time; And in 1700. As expected from the history of this
period, literature on the Restoration of the aristocratic tone, and specifically aimed at the
court. Drama is one of the most preferred forms of literature, but the audience is limited to
aristocrats, and is not large enough to support more than one of two theaters in London at a
time.