FROM THE RESTAURATION TO THE AUGUSTAN AGE, Appunti di Inglese

Scarica FROM THE RESTAURATION TO THE AUGUSTAN AGE e più Appunti in PDF di Inglese solo su Docsity! FROM THE RESTAURATION TO THE AUGUSTAN AGE The 17th century Was a period characterized by revolution in politics, society and religion. Under Charles I (1625-1649), England saw Puritans and Anglicans getting worse and becoming a social and political conflict. The Puritans advocated more simplicity in life and moral rigor in the Church. Anglicans maintain their religion as it had been established by Elizabeth and its members were called "Cavaliers''. When the civil war broke out, the Anglicans supported the king, while Puritans supported the Parliament. In 1649, Charles I was executed, opening up an 11 year period known as Interregnum, in which England was a Commonwealth. From 1653 to 1656, Cromwell ruled the country as Lord Protector. At his death, in 1660, the son of Charles I, Charles II, was restored to the throne. In this period John Milton (man of letters, and a civil servant under Cromwell) completed Paradise Lost, written in blank verse, which helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest English poets of his time. The poem concerns the Biblical story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton holds Adam and Eve responsible for the fallen condition of mankind. Provided by God with free will, Adam and Eve used It to act against him, but they paid the consequences of their choice. THE 18th CENTURY (development in social life) Literary clubs were opened, along with public coffee houses, which became the real centre of social life. Coffee houses were public social places where people would meet for conversation and commerce while drinking coffee. Topics discussed included politics and political scandals, daily gossip, fashion, current events, and debates surrounding philosophy and the natural sciences. THE AUGUSTAN AGE (Golden age of harmony, balance) Middle class grew in power and prestige, favoured by colonial trade. Money and prosperity contrasted with poverty and squalor. Hygiene was unknown and the filth caused illnesses and diseases. Women were better educated and with more leisure time.