Who is William Davenant?
Sir William Davenant (baptised 3 March 1606 – 7 April 1668), also spelled D’Avenant, was an English poet and playwright….William Davenant.
| Sir William Davenant | |
|---|---|
| Died | 7 April 1668 (aged 62) London, England |
| Occupation | Playwright, poet, soldier |
| Period | Stuart period; Restoration era |
How did restoration writers change Shakespeare?
In the Restoration, Shakespeare’s plays needed to be substantially rewritten – not just in the light of the new political situation, but also because of new tastes and expectations that demanded clearer and more intelligible language, tragicomic plots, increased sentimentalism, and poetic justice.
What is the main theme of Restoration comedy?
One of the major themes of restoration comedy is marriage and the game of love. But if marriage is a mirror of society, the couples in the plays show something very dark and sinister about order.
Why did the English audience of the Restoration period reject classical inspired plays?
English theatre during the Commonwealth Puritans were hostile toward theatre, as they felt that entertainment was sinful and that playwrights and actors were supporters of the crown and the nobility, so in 1642 Parliament banned the staging of plays in London.
What was one of the first famous Restoration plays?
The Country Wite by William Wycherley was one of the first important Restoration plays.
Who was the most influential playwright of the restoration?
Restoration Literature Top Authors
- John Dryden. Charles II may have been King of England, but John Dryden was King of Restoration literature.
- William Congreve. William Congreve is a super-important playwright of the Restoration period, and a disciple of John Dryden’s.
- John Milton.
- Aphra Behn.
- William Wycherley.
What is Restoration comedy in English literature?
“Restoration comedy” is English comedy written and performed in the Restoration period of 1660–1710. Comedy of manners is used as a synonym for this. Sexually explicit language was encouraged by King Charles II (1660–1685) personally and by the rakish style of his court.
What three major events happened during the restoration period?
Restoration Literature Timeline
- 1642: Parliament shuts down the theaters in England.
- 1660: Restoration of Charles II.
- 1660: Theaters are reopened.
- 1667: John Milton publishes Paradise Lost.
- 1672: John Dryden publishes Marriage à-la-Mode.
- 1675: William Wycherley publishes The Country Wife.
- 1677: Aphra Behn publishes The Rover.
Why is the 17th century called Restoration drama?
When the English monarchy under King CHARLES II was re-established in 1660 theatres re-opened, popular plays were performed again, and there was also a demand for new dramatists and their works. In this period a specific kind of drama was created – the so-called Restoration drama.
What influenced the writers of the restoration?
Inspired by the optimism of the Enlightenment, writers began producing philosophical and religious texts. The Restoration also saw the beginning of formal journalism – people began learning about current events through large printed sheets. Similarly, prose fiction finds its roots in this period of literature.
What happened in the 1660s in America?
Lord Baltimore is removed from power by the Maryland assembly. The Navigation Act of 1660 is passed requiring only English ships with a three-quarters English crew be allowed to be used for trade. Certain goods including sugar and tobacco could only be shipped to England or English colonies.