Page 65 - DENG402_HISTORY_OF_ENGLISH_LITERATURE

History of English Literature

Notes To regain fiscal autonomy and subvert Parliament, Charles II signed the secret Treaty of
Dover with Louis XIV in 1671.
The deal struck between Parliament and the royal couple in 1688-89 was that Parliament
would support the war against France, while William and Mary would accept new con-
straints on their authority.
The second credibility story of the Glorious Revolution was that the increased credibility
of the government’s constitutional structure translated into an increased credibility for the
government’s commitments.

8.4 Keywords
Financial Revolution : The new balance of power between parliament and crown made the
promises of the English government more credible, and credibility
allowed the government to reorganize its finances through a collec
tion of changes called the Financial Revolution.
Dryden’s Contribution : Dryden was the dominant literary figure and influence of his age. He
established the heroic couplet as a standard form of English poetry
by writing successful satires, religious pieces, fables, epigrams,
compliments, prologues, and plays with it; he also introduced the
alexandrine and triplet into the form.

8.5 Review Questions

1. Examine the Dryten's contribution to Restoration period.
2. Describe the term Glorious Revolution of 1688.
3. What is difference between constitutional credibility and Fiscal credibility?

Answers : Self Assessment

1. Dryden 2. Latin grammar 3. Restoration literature
4. Charles 5. Aldwinkle, Northamptonshire

8.6 Further Readings

Books An Outline of History of English Literature, G.Bell and sons, London, 1930:
Hudson, W.H.
The Concise Cambridge History of English Literature, 3rd edition CUP, New
Delhi, 2005: Sampson, George.
A Critical History of English Literature, IV Vol, 2nd ed. Ronald, New York, 1970:
Daiches, David.

Online links www.theatredatabase.com/17th_century/john_dryden_001.html
classiclit.about.com/library/bl-bio/bl-jdryden.htm
www.saburchill.com/history/chapters/chap4013.html
www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0821027.html

58 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY