This blog is part of my M.A. English syllabus task given by Megha Ma’am Trivedi. It focuses on the contrast between the Puritan Age (1620–1660) and the Restoration Age (1660–1700), two defining yet opposing phases of English literary history. The aim is to explore how political and social changes shaped the literature of these periods, from the moral and religious seriousness of Puritan writings to the witty, satirical, and theatrical spirit of the Restoration. The purpose is to present these ideas in a simple, engaging, and student-friendly way so that the transformation of English literature in the 17th century can be better understood and appreciated.

Introduction

Literature has always reflected the spirit of its time. The 17th century in England is one of the best examples of this. On one side, we have the Puritan Age (1620–1660), shaped by strong moral values, religious discipline, and a serious outlook on life. On the other side, we see the Restoration Age (1660–1700), which embraced wit, pleasure, and a more relaxed approach to morality after years of strict Puritan control. These two contrasting periods show how political and religious climates can directly influence the themes, tone, and styles of literature.



In this blog, we will explore how each period developed its own literary voice, compare their timelines of political and literary milestones, and finally, imagine ourselves as a critic in 1700 reflecting on this transformation from the sober Puritan pen to the witty Restoration quill.

Q1. Literature in the Puritan and Restoration Ages

The Puritan Age (1620–1660)

The Puritan Age was shaped by deep religious fervor and a strict moral code. England was experiencing civil war, political turmoil, and the rule of Oliver Cromwell. Puritans believed in simplicity, sincerity, and devotion to God. These beliefs naturally shaped their literature.

Influence on Literature:

Writers avoided frivolous themes and instead focused on religion, morality, and human responsibility.

Literature was expected to teach and guide, not just to entertain.

Genres and Trends:

1. Religious and Devotional Poetry – The most shining example is John Milton, whose epic Paradise Lost reflects Puritan theology, the struggle between good and evil, and the importance of divine will. Other poets like George Herbert and Richard Crashaw wrote deeply devotional poetry.

2. Prose and Sermons – Religious prose dominated, with sermons, moral essays, and treatises guiding people towards piety. John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678, though written during the Puritan tradition) became a masterpiece of Christian allegory, symbolizing man’s spiritual journey.

In short, Puritan literature was serious, instructive, and filled with spiritual depth.

The Restoration Age (1660–1700)

The Restoration began when Charles II returned to the throne in 1660. After years of Puritan austerity, society swung in the opposite direction towards enjoyment, wit, and worldly pleasures.

Influence on Literature:

Theatres, which had been closed under Puritans, reopened.

A spirit of comedy, satire, and indulgence became dominant.

Writers explored themes of love, wit, city life, and human follies, rather than only religion and morality.

Genres and Trends:

1. Restoration Comedy – Playwrights like William Congreve and George Etherege produced witty, often scandalous comedies that mocked hypocrisy and celebrated social life. These plays often shocked moralists but delighted audiences.

2. Satirical and Prose Writing – Satire flourished, with writers like John Dryden producing sharp critiques of politics, society, and literature. Dryden also established himself as a literary critic, shaping English criticism.

In short, Restoration literature reflected a shift from purity to pleasure, from religious devotion to worldly wit.

Q2. Comparative Timeline of Puritan and Restoration Ages

Below is a simple timeline connecting political events with literary milestones in both ages:

Puritan Age (1620–1660)

  • 1620s–30s – Rising Puritan influence; migration to America (Pilgrims).
  • 1642 – English Civil War begins between Royalists and Parliamentarians.
  • 1649 – Execution of King Charles I; monarchy abolished.
  • 1653–1658 – Oliver Cromwell rules as Lord Protector.

Literary Milestones –

  • John Milton writes Lycidas (1637) and later Paradise Lost (begun during this period).
  • Religious poetry of George Herbert and Richard Crashaw flourishes.
  • John Bunyan begins shaping the allegorical tradition.

Restoration Age (1660–1700)

  • 1660 – Charles II restored to throne; monarchy returns.
  • 1665 – The Great Plague hits London.
  • 1666 – The Great Fire of London.
  • 1685 – James II becomes king; conflict over Catholicism grows.
  • 1688 – Glorious Revolution; William and Mary come to power.

Literary Milestones –

  • John Dryden becomes Poet Laureate (1668).
  • Theatres reopen, giving rise to Restoration Comedy.
  • Satirical prose develops; Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel (1681) becomes famous.
  • Congreve and Etherege bring wit and sophistication to drama.
  • This comparison clearly shows how political changes shaped literary culture.

Q3. From Purity to Pleasure: The English Muse in Transformation

An Imaginary Critical Review (written as if in 1700)

The curtain has fallen on one of the most dramatic shifts in English letters. Within my own lifetime, I have seen the Muse of England dressed first in the sober gown of Puritan morality and now in the bright silks of Restoration wit. It is a transformation as striking as the return of the monarchy itself.

The Puritan age gave us literature that spoke to the soul. Milton, in his majestic verse, reminded us of the grandeur of heaven and the perils of sin. Bunyan, in his humble allegory, showed the common Christian the path to salvation. These works carried a moral seriousness that mirrored the gravity of their times an age of war, regicide, and pious restraint. Their beauty lay in their devotion and depth.

Yet, with the return of His Majesty Charles II, the spirit of the nation changed. Where once sermons and scriptures held sway, now laughter and cleverness fill the stage. The Restoration theatre, in particular, has become a house of wit, sometimes bordering on indecency, yet always full of life. Our poets, especially Dryden, wield satire like a sword, cutting down hypocrisy with sharp words. The audience, weary of Puritan gloom, delights in this sparkling pleasure.

But this shift is not without controversy. Many devout men frown upon the licentiousness of the comedies, fearing they corrupt youth. Others argue that wit, too, can teach, by exposing vice through laughter. To my mind, the truth lies somewhere between: the Puritans gave us moral strength, the Restoration gives us human joy. Together, they form two faces of our English genius one looking heavenward, the other earthward.

Thus, we may say that our literature has moved from purity to pleasure, and in doing so, it has discovered new ways to mirror the human spirit.

Conclusion

The 17th century in England offers a fascinating study of contrast. The Puritan Age was serious, moral, and deeply religious, while the Restoration Age was witty, lively, and worldly. Each reflected the political and social climate of its time one under strict religious discipline, the other under a revived monarchy that celebrated life and pleasure.

This transformation shows us an important truth: literature is never created in isolation. It is always shaped by the world in which it lives. From Milton’s solemn epic to Dryden’s sparkling satire, from Bunyan’s pilgrim to Congreve’s witty characters, the English Muse truly journeyed from purity to pleasure in less than a century.

Work citation 

Barad, Dilip. Puritan and Restoration Age: English Literature. blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/02/puritan-and-restoration-age-english.html.

Shrimpton, et al. “English Literature | History, Authors, Books, Periods, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Aug. 2025, www.britannica.com/art/English-literature/Milton.

Vujovic, Gordana. “Puritan Literature.” Scribd, www.scribd.com/document/845618810/Puritan-Literature.

Vyad. “Puritan and Restoration Era Literature | Key Developments.” AllAssignmentHelp.com, 22 Apr. 2025, www.allassignmenthelp.com/blog/restoration-period.

Heritage History - Products. www.heritage-history.com/index.php?c=resources&f=bunyan&s=char-dir.