The Neoclassical Period - The Enlightenment (The Restoration) (26 jun 1660 ano – 2 fev 1780 ano)

Descrição:

Period of deep change in literature: revival of drama, poetry moved towards clarity and balance, prose turned from satire to the novel proper
Heir issues
The Glorious Revolution 1688 had constitutional outcomes: Bill of Rights 1689 stated that the king had to rule with Parliament and catholics were excluded from succession to the throne
Stable constitutional monarchy

2 political parties emerged and Robert Walpole took central stage in politics
-Whigs
-Tories

Period of economic development, consumer revolution, middle class
Importance of conversation paintings (reflect this new culture). Culture of politeness. Middle class wanted to be entertained → expansion of the reading public, rise of novel, books more affordable
But rampant poverty cf Hogarth and Fielding's works