Restoration Literature

Unit 1 – Restoration Era: Historical Context

Unit 2 – Restoration Comedy: Theater's Revival

Unit 3 – The Emergence of the Novel

Unit 4 – Satire and Social Critique

Unit 5 – Sensibility and Sentimentalism in Literature

Unit 6 – English Language & Literary Criticism

Unit 7 – The Rise of Periodical Essays

Unit 8 – Restoration and Early 18th Century Poetry

Unit 9 – English Enlightenment Origins

Unit 10 – Women Writers: Restoration & Early 1700s

Unit 11 – Early 18th Century Theatre

Unit 12 – Age of Sensibility: Literary Transition

## What do you learn in Literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century

You'll explore English literature from 1660 to 1750, covering the Restoration period and early 18th century. Key authors include John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Jonathan Swift. You'll analyze poetry, prose, and drama, focusing on themes like satire, social criticism, and the rise of the novel. The course also examines historical context and literary movements of the era.

## Is Literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century hard?

It can be challenging due to the unfamiliar language and historical context. The texts are often dense and require close reading. However, most students find it manageable with consistent effort. The trickiest part is usually getting used to the writing style of the period, but once you do, it becomes much easier to understand and analyze the works.

## Tips for taking Literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Read texts multiple times - first for plot, then for deeper meaning
3. Keep a glossary of unfamiliar terms and historical references
4. Watch adaptations of works like "Gulliver's Travels" to visualize the stories
5. Join a study group to discuss complex themes in works like Pope's "The Rape of the Lock"
6. Create timelines to keep track of literary movements and historical events
7. Practice writing in the style of authors like Swift to better understand their techniques

## Common pre-requisites for Literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century

1. Introduction to British Literature: Covers major works and authors from the Middle Ages to the present. Provides a foundation for understanding the development of English literature.

2. Shakespeare: Focuses on the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare. Helps students develop skills in analyzing Early Modern English texts.

## Classes similar to Literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century

1. Victorian Literature: Explores British literature from the 1830s to 1900. Covers authors like Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters, and Oscar Wilde.

2. Romantic Poetry: Focuses on British poets from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Includes works by William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats.

3. The Rise of the Novel: Examines the development of the novel as a literary form. Covers early novelists like Daniel Defoe and Samuel Richardson.

4. Neoclassical Literature: Studies works from the late 17th and 18th centuries that were influenced by classical Greek and Roman literature. Includes authors like John Dryden and Alexander Pope.

## Majors related to Literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century

1. English Literature: Focuses on the study of literature written in English from various periods and cultures. Develops critical thinking and writing skills through analysis of literary works.

2. Comparative Literature: Involves studying literature from different languages, cultures, and time periods. Emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and literary theory.

3. History: Examines past events, societies, and cultures to understand human development over time. Often includes study of historical contexts that influenced literature.

4. Cultural Studies: Analyzes cultural phenomena, including literature, in relation to social and political contexts. Explores how cultural products reflect and shape society.

## What can you do with a degree in Literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century?

1. Teacher or Professor: Educate students about literature at various levels. Conduct research and publish academic papers on literary topics.

2. Editor: Work with authors to improve and refine their writing. May specialize in academic publishing or literary fiction.

3. Literary Critic: Analyze and interpret literary works for academic or popular audiences. Write reviews, essays, or books about literature.

4. Archivist: Preserve and organize historical documents, including literary manuscripts. Work in libraries, museums, or historical societies.

## Literature of the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century FAQs

1. How does this period differ from the Renaissance? The Restoration and Early 18th Century saw a shift towards more satirical and socially critical literature. There was also a greater emphasis on reason and order compared to the Renaissance.

2. Why is this period important in literary history? It marks the beginning of modern English literature and saw the development of new genres like the novel. Many works from this period continue to influence literature and culture today.

3. What's the deal with all the satire in this period? Satire was a popular way for writers to criticize social and political issues while avoiding direct censorship. It allowed authors to comment on society in a witty and entertaining way.

Literature

1.1 The Restoration of the Stuart Monarchy

1.2 Political and Social Changes in the Restoration Period

1.3 The Impact of the Enlightenment on Literature and Thought

2.1 The Restoration of the English Theaters

2.2 Characteristics and Themes of Restoration Comedy

2.3 Major Playwrights and Their Works: William Wycherley and George Etherege

3.1 The Rise of the Novel as a Literary Genre

3.2 Aphra Behn and the Female Voice in Early Novel Writing

3.3 The Picaresque Novel: Henry Fielding's 'Joseph Andrews'

4.2 Jonathan Swift's Satirical Works: 'Gulliver's Travels' and 'A Modest Proposal'

4.3 Alexander Pope's Satirical Poetry: 'The Rape of the Lock' and 'The Dunciad'

4.1 The Role of Satire in Restoration and Early 18th-Century Literature

5.1 The Shift from Reason to Emotion in Literature

5.2 Samuel Richardson's Epistolary Novels: 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa'

5.3 Laurence Sterne's Experimental Novel: 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman'

6.1 The Standardization of the English Language in the 18th Century

6.2 The Birth of Modern Literary Criticism: John Dryden and Alexander Pope

6.3 Samuel Johnson's Contributions to English Literature and Lexicography

7.1 The Emergence of the Periodical Essay as a Literary Form

7.2 Joseph Addison and Richard Steele: 'The Tatler' and 'The Spectator'

7.3 The Influence of the Periodical Essay on Public Discourse and Opinion

8.1 The Neoclassical Ideal in Poetry: Reason, Wit, and Restraint

8.2 John Dryden's Poetic Works and Literary Criticism

8.3 The Metaphysical Poets: John Donne and Andrew Marvell

9.2 The Rise of Deism and Religious Skepticism in Literature

9.3 The Augustan Age: Literature as a Reflection of Societal Values

9.1 The Influence of Locke, Newton, and Other Enlightenment Thinkers on Literature

Browse all Restoration Literature Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next