Puritan Drama refers to theatrical works written or influenced by Puritan ideology, primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, the Puritan movement was largely opposed to drama, leading to the decline of English theatre during the Puritan rule (1642–1660).
Evolution of Puritan Drama
- Pre-Puritan Era (Elizabethan & Jacobean Theatre): Theatres flourished with works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Jonson.
- Rise of Puritanism (Early 17th Century): Puritans viewed drama as immoral, associated with idleness and sin.
- Closure of Theatres (1642-1660): Under Oliver Cromwell, the Puritan government banned public stage plays.
- Restoration of Theatre (1660): The monarchy was restored under Charles II, and theatre revived, marking the end of Puritan dominance in drama.
Characteristics of Puritan Drama
- Religious and Moralistic Themes: Puritan plays focused on biblical narratives and morality.
- Didactic Purpose: Aimed to educate people about Christian virtues.
- Allegorical Elements: Used allegory to represent moral and religious struggles.
- Limited Use of Entertainment: Lacked the humor, romance, and dramatic tension of Elizabethan plays.
- Suppression of Secular Drama: Secular plays were banned, and playhouses were demolished.
- Preference for Closet Drama: Instead of staged performances, Puritans favored dramas meant to be read privately.
Types of Puritan Drama
- Biblical and Religious Drama - It was based on biblical stories and aimed at reinforcing religious teachings. For example, Samson Agonistes by John Milton.
- Morality Plays - It was featured with personified virtues and vices, and promoted Christian ethics. For example, The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678) by John Bunyan (though more of an allegorical prose work, it influenced religious drama).
- Closet Drama - This kind of plays intended for reading, not performance. For example, Samson Agonistes by John Milton.
- Anti-Theatrical Literature - These writings criticized and opposed Elizabethan drama. For example, Histriomastix (1633) by William Prynne, condemning theatre as immoral.
Major Writers and Their Works
- John Milton (1608–1674) - He major work was Samson Agonistes (1671) which was closet drama based on the biblical figure Samson, explored themes of divine justice and redemption, and written in the style of Greek tragedy.
- William Prynne (1600–1669) - His major work was Histriomastix (1633) which was a strong anti-theatrical work and attacked stage plays and actors by calling them sinful.
- Philip Massinger (1583–1640) - He was a transitional playwright and was influenced by Puritan ideas. His plays had moralistic tones, though not strictly Puritan. His major work was The Guardian (1633).
- John Bunyan (1628–1688) - His major work was The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678) which was an allegorical Christian journey, though not a play, it influenced Puritan drama.
Major Dramas & Examples
| Drama | Author | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samson Agonistes | John Milton | Closet Drama | Biblical tragedy, Greek-style |
| Histriomastix | William Prynne | Anti-theatrical Treatise | Criticism of theatre |
| The Guardian | Philip Massinger | Moralistic Play | Ethical dilemmas |
| The Pilgrim’s Progress | John Bunyan | Allegory | Christian journey |
Decline and Legacy of Puritan Drama
- 1660 – The Restoration: Charles II reopened theatres, ending Puritan dominance.
- Restoration Drama: A stark contrast to Puritan drama, focusing on wit, sexuality, and entertainment.
- Influence on Later Literature: Puritan ideals influenced moralistic literature and religious plays.
Puritan Drama was largely restrictive, focusing on religious morality rather than entertainment. Despite its decline after 1660, its influence persisted in moralistic writings and religious literature. The banning of theatres during the Puritan era significantly shaped English literary history, leading to the revival of drama in the Restoration period.
