The Restoration period in English literature, spanning from 1660 to 1700, witnessed a flourishing of prose writing that contrasted with the decline of poetry and the changing nature of drama. This era saw the emergence of a new style of prose, characterized by its clarity, precision, and suitability for a variety of subjects from science to politics.
Development of Restoration Prose
Unlike the elaborate and ornate prose styles of earlier periods, Restoration prose evolved to serve practical, narrative, and argumentative purposes. It marked a departure from the poetic prose of John Milton and the metaphysical style of Sir Thomas Browne, focusing instead on clear exposition and direct communication of ideas.
The foremost practitioner and advocate of this new prose style was John Dryden, who exemplified it in works such as his critical masterpiece Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668). Dryden's prose was characterized by its simplicity, exactness, and avoidance of excessive ornamentation. He aimed for a style that was both eloquent and accessible, suitable for addressing a wide audience and handling diverse subjects with clarity.
Dryden's influence extended to other writers of the period, including Sir William Temple, John Tillotson, and George Saville, Viscount Halifax, who adopted a similar plain and precise prose style. These writers contributed to the evolution of Restoration prose by emphasizing clarity, directness, and the use of language accessible to a broader readership.
John Bunyan and The Pilgrim's Progress
Alongside the development of Dryden's prose, John Bunyan emerged as a significant figure in Restoration literature, particularly for his contribution to prose fiction and allegory. Bunyan, deeply influenced by his Puritan beliefs, wrote The Pilgrim's Progress (1678), a seminal work that laid the foundation for the English novel.
The Pilgrim's Progress is an allegorical tale that follows the journey of Christian from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, allegorizing the Christian life and spiritual journey. Bunyan's prose style in this work is noted for its simplicity, vividness, and universal appeal. It effectively combines narrative skill with moral instruction, making it accessible to both educated readers and the common people.
Bunyan's use of allegory and straightforward language in The Pilgrim's Progress marked a departure from the complex and scholarly styles of earlier religious literature. His ability to create memorable characters and vivid settings, coupled with his moral earnestness, ensured the enduring popularity and literary significance of his works.
In addition to The Pilgrim's Progress, Bunyan's other works, such as Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (1666) and The Life and Death of Mr. Badman (1680), further exemplify his mastery of prose fiction and his ability to convey profound spiritual truths through engaging narratives.
Legacy and Significance
The prose of the Restoration period, as exemplified by Dryden and Bunyan, contributed significantly to the development of English literary forms. Dryden's emphasis on clarity and accessibility paved the way for modern prose styles, while Bunyan's narrative skill and allegorical genius laid the foundation for the English novel.
Although the Restoration era is often overshadowed by the achievements of earlier and later periods in English literature, its contributions to prose writing remain influential and noteworthy. The period's focus on practicality, clarity, and narrative invention helped shape subsequent literary developments and continues to be studied and appreciated today.