Evolution of Restoration Drama
After Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, theaters reopened after being banned during the Puritan rule (1642–1660). It was influenced by French drama, particularly Molière’s comedies and Corneille & Racine’s neoclassical tragedies. The court of Charles II promoted hedonism, wit, and artistic freedom, influencing dramatic themes. Women on stage for the first time led to realistic portrayal of female characters. As a result, popular actresses like Nell Gwyn (mistress of Charles II) gained fame. The reopening of theaters led to technological advancements in stage design, with moveable scenery, elaborated costumes, and artificial lighting.Characteristics of Restoration Drama
a. Sexual Explicitness & Libertinism:
- These plays openly depicted sexual freedom and affairs unlike previous moralistic dramas. For example The Country Wife (1675) by William Wycherley which centered on Horner, a man pretending to be impotent to seduce married women.
b. Satire & Social Criticism:
- This kind of drama criticized hypocrisy, especially among the upper class. For example, The Man of Mode (1676) by George Etherege mocks fashionable rakes of London.
c. Wit & Verbal Play:
- This drama depicted sharp dialogues which filled with irony and double entendre. For example, The Way of the World (1700) by William Congreve – famous for its witty exchanges between lovers.
d. Influence of French and Spanish Drama:
- Restoration drama borrowed courtly elegance and intrigue from Molière and Spanish cloak-and-dagger dramas. For example, Aphra Behn’s The Rover (1677) which inspired by Spanish adventures.
e. Stock Characters:
- The Fop: A vain, ridiculous aristocrat (e.g., Sir Fopling Flutter in The Man of Mode).
- The Rake: A charming but immoral seducer (e.g., Dorimant in The Man of Mode).
- The Clever Heroine: A witty, independent woman (e.g., Millamant in The Way of the World).
f. Elaborate Stagecraft:
- In Restoration drama, moveable scenery, painted backdrops, and artificial lighting were used for the first time. For example, The Empress of Morocco (1673) by Elkanah Settle was staged with lavish spectacle.
Types of Restoration Drama
a. Restoration Comedy
Its key features are;
- It focused on social manners, love affairs, and witty dialogues.
- It exposed upper-class hypocrisy.
- Comedy of Manners: It satirized aristocratic society.
- Comedy of Intrigue: It revolved around trickery and disguise.
- Farce: It used exaggerated humor and slapstick.
Examples of Restoration Comedies:
| Play | Playwright | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|
| The Country Wife (1675) | William Wycherley | Sexual hypocrisy and deception |
| The Man of Mode (1676) | George Etherege | The life of a libertine rake |
| The Way of the World (1700) | William Congreve | Love, marriage, and contracts |
| The Rover (1677) | Aphra Behn | Love, adventure, and disguise |
b. Restoration Tragedy
Its key features are;
- It was influenced by French Neoclassicism.
- Its common theme was Love vs. Duty.
- Its characters were often noble yet flawed.
- It focused on grandeur, heroism, and poetic justice.
Examples of Restoration Tragedies:
| Play | Playwright | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|
| All for Love (1677) | John Dryden | Tragic love of Antony & Cleopatra |
| Venice Preserved (1682) | Thomas Otway | Political conspiracy and betrayal |
| The Orphan (1680) | Thomas Otway | Domestic tragedy on innocence and downfall |
c. Heroic Drama
Its key features are;
- It was written in heroic couplets (rhyming iambic pentameter).
- It emphasized honor, duty, and love.
- It had grand and epic settings.
Examples of Heroic Dramas:
| Play | Playwright | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|
| The Conquest of Granada (1670) | John Dryden | Heroism and war |
| Aureng-Zebe (1675) | John Dryden | Mughal history and love |
Major Writers and Their Contributions
| Playwright | Notable Works | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| William Congreve | The Way of the World (1700) | Master of sophisticated wit & refined Comedy of Manners |
| William Wycherley | The Country Wife (1675) | Satirical and sexually bold plays |
| George Etherege | The Man of Mode (1676) | Created the prototype of the libertine rake |
| John Dryden | All for Love (1677), The Conquest of Granada (1670) | Leading tragedian & creator of Heroic Drama |
| Aphra Behn | The Rover (1677) | First professional female playwright; wrote comedies and spy novels |
| Thomas Otway | Venice Preserved (1682), The Orphan (1680) | Emotional, realistic tragedies |
| George Farquhar | The Beaux' Stratagem (1707) | Combined humor with moral reform |
Decline of Restoration Drama
- Moral Backlash - Jeremy Collier’s pamphlet A Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage (1698) condemned Restoration plays for licentiousness.
- Changing Audience Preferences - By early 18th century, audiences preferred Sentimental Comedy, which focused on virtue and morality. For example, Richard Steele’s The Conscious Lovers (1722).
- Rise of Middle-Class Values - The growing middle class found Restoration drama too aristocratic and immoral.
Influence and Legacy
- Impact on Later Drama - It influenced 18th-century Sentimental Comedy. Oscar Wilde and Bernard Shaw borrowed its witty dialogues. It inspired modern satire (e.g., television sitcoms like Bridgerton).
- 20th-Century Revival - Restoration plays were rediscovered in the 20th century for their social commentary and humor. These are frequently performed in theaters today.
Restoration Drama revived English theater after Puritan rule, bringing in realism, wit, and social satire. Though it declined by the early 18th century, its legacy continues in modern comedy, literature, and theater. Restoration Drama marks an important shift in English literature, reflecting post-Puritan indulgence.