The Restoration (literary movement)

The Restoration refers to a period in English literature that began in 1660 when Charles II restored the monarchy after the English Civil War. This era is marked by a revival of drama and comedy, as well as the emergence of new literary forms. Writers like John Dryden, Aphra Behn, and Samuel Pepys flourished, focusing on themes of human experience, social satire, and the complexities of relationships. The period is known for its wit, emphasis on reason, and exploration of personal and political themes, setting the stage for the Enlightenment and shaking off the strict puritanical influences of the preceding years.