The Puritan Age in English literature refers to the period between 1620 and 1660, characterized by the dominance of Puritan ideals in both political and literary life. The movement emerged as a reaction against the perceived corruption of the Church of England and the excesses of the monarchy. It was deeply influenced by the Puritan religious movement, which sought to "purify" Christianity by removing Catholic influences and emphasizing moral discipline, simplicity, and personal devotion to God.
This period coincided with major political events in England, including:
- The reign of Charles I (1625–1649)
- The English Civil War (1642–1651) between the Royalists (Cavaliers) and Parliamentarians (Puritans)
- The execution of Charles I in 1649
- The establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell (1649–1660)
The Puritan movement significantly shaped English society, politics, and literature during this time.
Causing Movements of the Puritan Age
The Puritan Age was influenced by several historical and ideological factors, including:
- The Protestant Reformation (16th century) – The rejection of Catholic traditions and the emphasis on the Bible as the ultimate authority.
- Calvinism – The teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing predestination, moral discipline, and a strict code of conduct.
- Conflict with the Monarchy – The struggle between King Charles I and the Puritans, leading to the English Civil War.
- The Rise of Parliament – The Puritans, who largely supported the Parliament, opposed the divine right of kings.
- Religious Persecution – Many Puritans faced persecution for their beliefs, leading some to migrate to America (e.g., the Pilgrims in 1620).
Literature of the Puritan Age
The literature of this period was deeply influenced by religious themes and political turmoil. It was characterized by:
- A strong moral and didactic tone
- A focus on personal religious experience
- Simplicity and clarity of expression
- A rejection of excessive ornamentation and classical allusions
- The use of biblical and allegorical themes
Puritan literature can be broadly divided into:
- Religious Writings – Sermons, theological treatises, and meditative poetry.
- Political Writings – Pamphlets and essays advocating for Puritan ideals.
- Poetry – Often reflective and deeply spiritual.
- Prose and Drama – Drama declined due to Puritan opposition to the theater, but prose flourished in the form of sermons and philosophical works.
Characteristics of Puritan Literature
- Didacticism – Literature was meant to instruct and guide readers toward moral and religious truth.
- Religious Themes – Strong emphasis on God, salvation, sin, and divine justice.
- Simplicity in Style – Unlike the ornate style of the Renaissance, Puritan literature was straightforward and clear.
- Biblical Influence – Frequent references to the Bible, often using its stories and parables as allegories.
- Reflection on Political and Social Issues – Literature often discussed the conflict between monarchy and Puritan ideals.
- Personal and Introspective Tone – Writers explored their personal relationship with God.
Prominent Writers and Their Works
1. John Milton (1608–1674)
- Paradise Lost (1667) – An epic poem about the fall of man, Satan’s rebellion, and redemption through Christ.
- Paradise Regained (1671) – A sequel to Paradise Lost, focusing on Jesus’ resistance to Satan’s temptations.
- Areopagitica (1644) – A prose work advocating for the freedom of speech and press.
- The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678) – An allegorical novel describing a Christian’s journey toward salvation.
- The Saints’ Everlasting Rest (1650) – A religious treatise discussing heaven and eternal salvation.
- A poet associated with both metaphysical and Puritan traditions.
- To His Coy Mistress – A famous poem combining wit with Puritan themes of time and morality.
- Though associated with the Cavalier poets, his works often reflected Puritan concerns.
- Hesperides (1648) – A collection of religious and secular poetry.
- Leviathan (1651) – A political treatise arguing for a strong central government, partly in response to the chaos of the Civil War.
The Puritan Age came to an end in 1660 with the restoration of Charles II to the throne. The monarchy’s return brought a shift in literary themes, moving away from Puritan austerity toward the more worldly and satirical tone of the Restoration period. The theaters, which had been closed under Puritan rule, were reopened, leading to a revival of drama and a more relaxed cultural atmosphere.
The Puritan Age was a crucial period in English literature, marked by a focus on religion, morality, and political struggles. Its literature reflected the intense spiritual and ideological conflicts of the time, with writers like Milton and Bunyan leaving a lasting impact on English literary tradition. Despite its decline, the Puritan influence persisted, shaping later movements like the Neoclassical Age and continuing to inspire religious and philosophical thought.
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