Restoration Poetry

Writers often comment on the world around them, and these experiences influence the themes and styles of their writing. In this topic, you have read and analyzed several of the great poems from the Restoration period, a time marked by great political upheaval. In the span of a single century, British writers saw the fall of a monarchy, the rise to complete power of Parliament, and the restoration of the monarchy. Through the poetry of Restoration era writers, you have seen how poets attempted to find stability in an unpredictable era by imitating the earlier models of poetry, expressing their sacrifices and hopes for the future, and pushing for social change.

Richard Lovelace echoed the sentiments of leaving loved ones behind in order to fulfill the duties of fighting in civil war. Faced with heightened risk brought about by such warfare, both Andrew Marvell and Robert Herrick urged their readers to live life to the fullest while there is still a chance. All three of these poets were part of the so-called "tribe of Ben," followers of the poet Ben Jonson who promoted a carpe diem attitude of "seizing the day."

The instability of the nation prompted other poets to contemplate the state of their society and reach back to older works as inspiration for their writing. John Milton recounted the fall of Lucifer and the sin of Adam of Eve to remind his people of their covenant with God during a time of political turmoil. His epic poem Paradise Lost is still hailed as a landmark masterpiece of English literature.