Ans: The Restoration period (1660-1700) is one of the most important periods in the history of English literature. The monarchial power was restored to the British throne in 1660. That was a Restoration of the history of England. The restoration of the monarchy in 1660 was a decisive event. It had a tremendous impact on English life and literature. In fact, the two ages – the Puritan and the Restoration were utterly contradictory.

The year 1660 is as memorable as the year 1649. Charles I was openly executed by Parliament in 1649 but the same Parliament restored monarchy and placed Charles II, the executed King’s son, on the British throne in 1660.

In the Commonwealth period (1649-1660) after the death of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell who was the Puritan leader came to the power. Then Charles II, son of Charles I, fled to France. Cromwell dies in 1658. After the death of Richard Cromwell, the people of England brought Charles II back and made him King of England on May 29, 1660. The people of England were suffering from tension due to the strict rule of Cromwell. Thus the nation welcomed the Restoration of Charles II. This Restoration brought about a revolutionary change in social life and literature. The period that followed is known as the Restoration.

The Restoration did not bring total peace to England. The conflict between the King and his Parliament did not end fully. It was somehow kept within the surface during the reign of Charles II. But after his death, the unwise and prejudiced policy of his brother proved disastrous. He was a Catholic and most of the people who were Protestants wanted to dethrone him. In 1688, there was the Glorious Revolution against him. This revolution led to the beginning of a new monarchial order, in place of the Stuarts under the authority of Parliament.

During the Restoration period, there were two political parties. The two parliamentary parties are the Whigs and Tories. The Whigs were against the king and the Protestants. The Tories supported the king and the Catholics. The king became ornamental and political parties established their power through different exercises.

The Restoration had a great influence on the life and literature of the contemporary age. Under French influence, the drama of this age grew realistic. The social manners, vulgarity, and narrowness of realism were reflected in them.

Restoration poetry was marked by realism, intellect, and satire. The bitter political rivalry gave birth to the use of satire in this age. Dryden’s “Absalom and Achitophel” is an excellent example of political satire. “Absalom and Achitophel” is undoubtedly the most powerful political satire in English literature. He adopted the Biblical story of David and Absalom to ridicule the Whig leaders. Butler’s “Hudebras” is a satire of the Puritans.

From the above discussion, we can say that the Restoration period is remarkable for English history and literature as it restored the Stuart Monarchy to the throne. Its historical and political situation had a great influence on the life and literature of the contemporary age.