The Restoration of Monarchy-Charles II –Pleasure and Libertinism in Court- ‘Decorum’ and the Growth of Theatres

 The Restoration of Monarchy-Charles II –Pleasure and Libertinism in Court- ‘Decorum’ and the Growth of Theatres

The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, marked by the return of Charles II to the throne of England, signaled a radical shift in the social, political, and cultural landscape of the nation. This period followed the tumultuous years of the English Civil War, the execution of Charles I (1649), and the Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth and later the Protectorate (1653–1659). With the restoration of the monarchy came an era of indulgence, hedonism, and cultural revival, particularly in the court and the theatre.

1. The End of Puritan Rule and Restoration of Charles II

The return of Charles II to the throne in May 1660, known as the "Restoration," was met with widespread relief and celebration. During the Interregnum (1649–1660), England had been ruled by the Puritans, who enforced strict moral codes, banned many forms of entertainment (including theatres), and promoted an austere way of life. However, Cromwell’s death in 1658, the failure of his son Richard Cromwell to maintain control, and growing dissatisfaction with Puritan rule led to a shift in public sentiment.

General George Monck facilitated negotiations, and Charles II was invited back to England under the terms of the Declaration of Breda.
The Declaration of Breda was a proclamation made by Charles II  in April 1660,  promising a general pardon for crimes committed during the English Civil War and the Interregnum. The declaration was made in the Netherlands, a strict Protestant country which promised religious tolerance and amnesty to most of those who had supported the Parliamentarian cause. 

2. Charles II’s Court: Pleasure and Libertinism

[Libertinism: a way of life that disregards authority or convention in religious or sexual matters.]

Unlike his father, Charles I, who was known for his serious and aloof nature, Charles II (“the merry monarch”) embraced a court culture of pleasure, revelry, and libertinism. His years in exile in France had influenced his tastes, and he brought back a love for extravagant entertainments, art, and courtly pleasures. The court became infamous for its excesses, with feasting, gambling, and amorous intrigues defining the era.

Libertinism in Court

The Restoration court was notorious for its libertine ethos, rejecting the rigid moral constraints of the Puritan era. Charles himself embodied this lifestyle, surrounding himself with courtiers who shared his hedonistic outlook. Some notable figures included:

  • John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester – A poet and courtier known for his scandalous behavior and sexually explicit poetry.
  • George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham – A close associate of the king, notorious for his love affairs and reckless spending.
  • Nell Gwyn – A famous actress and one of Charles II’s many mistresses, symbolizing the new culture of openness toward women in public entertainment.

Charles’s numerous mistresses, including Barbara Villiers, Louise de Kérouaille, and Hortense Mancini, wielded considerable influence at court, which blurred the lines between politics and personal affairs.

3. ‘Decorum’ and the Growth of Theatres

One of the most significant cultural shifts under Charles II was the reopening of the theatre, which had been banned under Cromwell. The Restoration saw the re-establishment of public performances and the introduction of new theatrical norms.

The Revival of Theatres

Upon his return, Charles II granted royal patents to Thomas Killigrew and William Davenant, allowing them to establish London’s two main theatre companies:

  • The King's Company (led by Killigrew)
  • The Duke's Company (led by Davenant)

These theatres helped usher in a new era of dramatic performance.

Changes in Theatrical Conventions

The Restoration stage introduced several innovations and departures from earlier Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre:

  1. Women on Stage – For the first time in English history, women were legally allowed to perform on stage, replacing the tradition of boys playing female roles. Actresses such as Nell Gwyn and Elizabeth Barry became celebrated figures.
  2. Elaborate Scenery and Stagecraft – Theatres now incorporated moveable scenery, painted backdrops, and machinery for special effects, reflecting a more sophisticated approach to stage production.
  3. Sexual and Witty Themes – Restoration plays often dealt with themes of seduction, cuckoldry, and social satire, reflecting the libertine attitudes of the court.
  4. Comedy of Manners – This genre flourished, characterized by its witty dialogue, satirical portrayal of upper-class life, and themes of sexual intrigue. Writers like William Wycherley (The Country Wife) and William Congreve (The Way of the World) were pioneers of this form.

‘Decorum’ in Theatre and Society

Despite the period's libertine excesses, the concept of ‘decorum’—a classical principle emphasizing appropriateness in art and literature—was still significant in Restoration drama. Plays adhered to a more structured, neoclassical style, inspired by French dramatists such as Molière and Racine.

  • Heroic Tragedy followed a grand style, with noble characters dealing with themes of honor and duty (e.g., John Dryden’s The Conquest of Granada).
  • Comedy of Manners, while bawdy, still adhered to conventions of wit, elegance, and satire, ensuring that even scandalous subjects were treated with refinement.

Prepared by
Jacob Eapen Kunnath
Dept. of English, CMS College Kottayam (Autonomous)

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