![]() ![]() ![]() Mac Flecknoe is a mock-heroic satire targeting Thomas Shadwell, an English poet and playwright of the time. Dryden did not agree with the Whigs’ actions and paralleled this rebellion with the biblical revolt of Absalom against his father, David. ![]() The Whigs supported a parliamentary bill that would have allowed this to happen. Instead, he offered Charles’ illegitimate son as a suitable heir. The Earl of Shaftesbury attempted to prevent the legitimate son of King Charles II from taking the throne due to James’ Catholicism. Absalom and Achitophel is a political satire that directly parallels politics in England. His two most famous are Absalom and Achitophel (1681) and Mac Flecknoe (1681). Dryden also wrote a lot of satirical works, a popular style during this time. Many consider this play an imitation of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra as both focus on the love and tragedy between the hero and heroine. His play All for Love (1678) encompasses the latter two elements and is considered one of his finest examples of the genre. Dryden gave this genre three rules: the verse style must be in heroic couplets, rhyming couplets in iambic pentameter, there must be a focus on love, honor, and freedom, and the lead character must be strong and dominating. He was also well known for his works in heroic drama, a genre that he created. His most famous of this type is “Annus Mirabilis” (1667), which discusses England’s successes of the year including the naval victory over the Dutch and the ability to carry on after the Great Fire. ![]() Dryden was a master of all genres, but his earlier work was typically occasional poems, written for particular occasions that usually celebrated a person or event in England. John Dryden dominated much of English culture during the 17 th century, working as a poet, translator, literary critic, and playwright. One of Milton’s earlier works, Lycidas (1637) is also a significant piece as it is one of the first definitive pastoral elegies, works that are about both death and rural life. It is separated into twelve sections and has two narratives, one following Satan’s rebellion and the other showing Adam and Eve and their eventual fall from the Garden of Eden. This epic poem, a long narrative about a heroic journey, is written in blank verse and chronicles the biblical story of the fall of man. Milton wrote largely about the religious inconstancy at the time and is most well known for his piece Paradise Lost (1667). When Charles II was restored to the throne, Milton was pardoned. John Milton had served in Parliament and the Commonwealth of England, working under Oliver Cromwell. Although the Restoration signified a more stable political and religious environment, it still inspired works about the previous instability. The first 40 years of this period are often referred to as the Restoration period. Satire became popular during this time with its emergence both in novels and plays. The aftermath of chaotic political disruptions and damaging religious divisions created an increased focus on the study of man’s relationships. In the years following this unity, Great Britain became an economic and industrial power. In 1707, under Queen Anne’s rule, England and Scotland united into one sovereign state of Great Britain. Both Queen Anne and the Hanoverian line of Georges brought prosperity to England. When Charles’ son James took the throne he attempted to establish a Catholic dynasty within England and claimed the right to make his own laws, moves that prompted the Glorious Revolution in 1688 when William and Mary took power. Charles II also returned theatre to England, allowing women to act and establishing indoor acting areas. He brought the monarchy back to England, ended much of the political turmoil and chaos, and restored the established church. The Long 18 th Century/Neo-Classical Period began in 1660 with the return of Charles II to the throne. Special thanks to Eastern's own Catherine Allegretti for writing this introduction! ![]()
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