THE PURITAN AGE

 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PURITAN AGE (1620–1660)

 

Introduction

The Puritan Age in English literature refers to the period between 1620 and 1660. It was a time of deep political, religious, and social unrest in England. The age is named after the Puritans, a group of religious reformers who wanted to purify the Church of England. This period includes the rule of King Charles I, the English Civil War, the execution of the king, and the rise of Oliver Cromwell. It ends with the Restoration of Charles II. Literature during this time reflected the seriousness and struggles of the period. Writers focused on religious faith, moral values, and the duty of man toward God. The joyful spirit of the Elizabethan Age disappeared. In its place came a tone of seriousness, discipline, and introspection.

 

Religious Influence and Moral Purpose

One of the most striking features of the Puritan Age is its religious character. Almost all the writing of this time was shaped by the Bible and Christian thought. Puritan writers believed that literature should teach moral lessons and help people live a godly life. Poetry, prose, and even drama were used to guide people toward righteousness. Writers were not interested in entertainment or beauty for its own sake. They believed that art should serve God. This idea gave rise to a kind of literature that was serious, plain, and full of religious meaning. John Milton’s Paradise Lost is a perfect example. It is a deeply religious poem that explores the fall of man, the justice of God, and the hope of redemption. The Puritan writers used literature as a tool to express faith, discipline, and divine truth.

 

Political Struggles and Civil War

The Puritan Age was full of political tension. The struggle between the king and Parliament led to the English Civil War. Writers could not ignore these events. Many became involved in the political debates of the time. Pamphlets, speeches, and essays were written to defend different views. This led to the growth of prose as a strong form of political and religious writing. The writings of John Milton and John Bunyan are filled with political and moral messages. Milton supported the cause of liberty and wrote many prose works defending the rights of people against tyranny. Literature became a way to fight for justice, argue for freedom, and express loyalty to religious or political beliefs. The deep connection between politics and religion made the literature of this age powerful and passionate.

 

Decline of Drama

The Puritan Age saw a sharp decline in drama. The Puritans believed that theatre was sinful. They saw it as a place of moral weakness and temptation. When the Puritans came to power under Cromwell, all theatres were closed. Playwriting almost stopped. The joyous and creative plays of the Elizabethan Age disappeared. Writers who once wrote comedies and tragedies turned to religious themes or stopped writing. This was a great loss for English drama. However, it also shows how deeply religion had entered public life. The theatre would only return after the Restoration in 1660. The temporary end of drama marks the seriousness and rigid values of the Puritan era.

 

Growth of Prose and Allegory

While poetry and drama declined, prose writing grew stronger during the Puritan Age. Writers used prose to preach, instruct, and argue. It became a major tool for expressing religious and political ideas. The prose was clear, direct, and powerful. It avoided the flowery style of earlier times. One of the finest prose works of this age is The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. It is a religious allegory that tells the journey of a Christian from sin to salvation. The book uses simple language but expresses deep spiritual truths. Allegory became a common style during this time. Writers used it to teach moral lessons while telling a story. The success of prose and allegory reflects the Puritan belief that literature should serve a divine purpose.

 

Poetry of the Puritan Age

Although poetry was not the main form of writing during this period, it still produced some great works. John Milton was the most important poet of the time. His epic Paradise Lost stands as a monument of Puritan thought. It combines classical form with Christian content. His other poems, like Lycidas and Paradise Regained, also reflect deep moral and religious ideas. Another group of poets known as the Metaphysical Poets—such as John Donne, George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell—wrote poems that used spiritual and philosophical themes. Their poetry was full of complex images, bold comparisons, and deep thought. Though not always strictly Puritan, these poets reflected the religious and intellectual mood of the age.

 

Plain Style and Serious Tone

Puritan literature is known for its plain style. Writers avoided decoration and complexity. They used simple, clear language. The goal was to communicate truth, not to entertain. Even poetry followed this plain style. The emotional tone was serious and often sorrowful. Writers focused on death, judgment, sin, and salvation. They believed that life was a journey to heaven or hell. This belief shaped their view of the world. Literature became a reflection of inner struggle, spiritual discipline, and eternal hope. The lack of joy and humour in the writing is a direct result of the strict Puritan worldview.

 

Conclusion

The Puritan Age was a time of struggle, both in the nation and in the human soul. The literature of this period reflected that struggle. It was serious, religious, and moral. It focused on duty, discipline, and divine truth. Drama was suppressed, poetry became spiritual, and prose became the main tool of communication. Writers like Milton and Bunyan showed that literature could be a powerful voice for faith and freedom. The Puritan Age left behind a legacy of thoughtful and sincere writing. Though not rich in variety or joy, it shaped the course of English literature with its deep commitment to truth, faith, and moral strength.

 

References

Long, William J. English Literature: Its History and Its Significance for the English-Speaking World. Anboco, 2016.

Sanders, Andrew. The Short Oxford History of English Literature. Oxford University Press, 2004.

Daiches, David. A Critical History of English Literature. Allied Publishers, 2000.