1. The Restoration Years; 1660-1798
Neoclassical Period
The Restoration
Years;

2. Content: Emphasis on reason and logic
Stresses harmony, stability, wisdom
John Locke: Philosopher who influenced society by stating a “social” contract exists between the gov’t and the people. The gov’t governs guaranteeing “natural rights” of life, liberty, and property.

3. Style/Genres:
Satire: uses irony and exaggeration to poke fun at human faults and foolishness in order to correct human behavior
Poetry (narrative & epic)
Essays
Letters, diaries, biographies
novels

4. Effect: Emphasis on the individual Belief that man is basically evil
Basic approach to life: “attempt to view the world as it should be”

5. Historical Context:
50% of the men are functionally literate (a dramatic rise)
Factories begin to spring up as industrial revolution begins
Impoverished masses begin to grow as farming life declines and factories build
Coffee houses– where educated men spend evenings with literary and political associates

6. Key Literature/Authors:
Alexander Pope (essayist/poet: “Essay on Man” & “Rape of Locke”
Daniel Defoe (novelist: Robinson Crusoe)
Jonathon Swift (satirist: “Modest Proposal” Gulliver’s Travels
Samuel Johnson (essayist/poet: “Prince of Abissinia”)
John Bunyan (novelist: Pilgrim’s Progress)
John Milton (poet: “Paradise Lost”)