ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -John Dryden is considered by many to be the quintessential Restoration writer; he was one of the most prolific of the time.

Detailed explanation-2: -John Dryden He is, by far, the most important literary figure of the period. Not only was he a prolific writer who worked in a bunch of different genres including poetry, drama, and prose, but also he set the bar in terms of literary standards for the period.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sir William Davenant was the first Restoration poet to attempt an epic. His unfinished Gondibert was of epic length, and it was admired by Hobbes. However, it also used the ballad form, and other poets, as well as critics, were very quick to condemn this rhyme scheme as unflattering and unheroic (Dryden Epic).

Detailed explanation-4: -Aphra Behn (1640-89) Her first play, The Forc’d Marriage, was staged in 1670, with her most popular work, The Rover, following in 1677. Nineteen of her plays were performed during her lifetime, making her one of the most prolific Restoration playwrights.

Detailed explanation-5: -Popular writers of Restoration comedy include John Dryden, George Etherege, and William Congreve. Although Restoration literature is commonly considered to end around 1688, Restoration comedy was written into the 1700s.