The Age of Reason
aka: Enlightenment, Age of Johnson, Age of Pope,
Neoclassicism, Restoration, Augustan Age,
Age of Satire
1660-1780
Monarchy
• Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660
• Chartered Royal Society to make scientific
inquiries official
• French customs shocked pious Englishman
• A spirit of licentiousness characterized his court
(womanizing, debauchery, etc.)
• Tried to restore some privileges of Catholics;
converted to Catholicism on his deathbed
Monarchy
• James II, Charles’ brother succeeded him
• Also a Catholic, alarming the nobility and
resulting in a failed uprising
• When he has a son, a Catholic line seemed assured
• Glorious Revolution—to get rid of James his
eldest daughter Mary and her husband William of
Orange were offered the throne
• James escaped to France and William and Mary
took over with no bloodshed (therefore a Glorious
Revolution.
Monarchy
• By1715 the House of Hanover from
Germany, George I (the current line)
• Growth in power of prime minister previous
to this period—Hanover line increases
power of ministry
• Two political parties form—Tories favor
status quo, Whigs favor progress
Other issues
• 1665 plague killed 70,000 inhabitants of
London
• 1666 Great Fire destroyed 13,000 houses
and left two-thirds of the population
homeless
• Architectural growth (St. Paul’s Cathedral,
widening of street, improved structures)
Literary Changes
• Use of classical modes based on traditions of
Greeks and Romans (neoclassical)
• Flowery language of Renaissance replaced with
satirical verse
• Focus on correcting individual behavior and
societal ills
• First literary periodicals published, and essays
flourished
• Drama—actresses replace boy actors; comedy of
manners introduced features multiple plots
involving intrigue and infidelity
• Restoration comedy synonymous with
licentiousness
Other literary innovations
• First real biographies published (previous
biographies merely flattering accounts)
• First comprehensive English dictionary
written by Samuel Johnson
• Literary criticism also spearheaded by
Samuel Johnson
• Travel journals