The Commonwealth period in English literature followed the English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell's rule as head of the Parliament. During this time, public theaters were closed for nearly two decades to prevent assembly and curb immorality. Notable works included John Milton's political writings and Paradise Lost, as well as satire by authors publishing anonymously due to censorship. Milton championed individual liberty and condemned censorship in works like Areopagitica. This period represented a dark time for literature under the Puritan-led government.

1. 5 - COMMON-WEALTH PERIOD
Good day!
We have got to the final video of this series.
Now, it is time to talk about the Common-wealth period in literature.
So, do you know what this period was about? What happened? We will explore some
historical details about it and what literary works and authors belong here.
Actually, the Commonwealth Age is named for the period between the end of the English
Civil War and the restoration of the Stuart monarchy. This is the time when Oliver Cromwell,
a Puritan, led the Parliament who ruled the nation.
At this time, public theaters were closed (for nearly two decades) to prevent public assembly
and to combat moral and religious transgressions.
John Milton and Thomas Hobbes’ political writings appeared and, while drama suffered,
prose writers such as Thomas Fuller, Abraham Cowley, and Andrew Marvell published
prolifically.
The largest and most important poetic form of the era was satire. In general, publication of
satire was done anonymously, as there were great dangers in being associated with a satire.
Then, the most relevant author in this period is John Milton. He was the last great poet of the
English Renaissance. He published a number of works before 1660, including A L'Allegro.
However, his major epic works, including Paradise Lost were published in the Restoration
period.
In the developing conflict between the Anglican monarchy and puritan parliament, Milton's
sympathies are on the side of parliament. He sees in them the best hope for his own central
concern: liberty for the individual citizen. From 1641, the date of his first polemical tract,
Milton consciously and with regret sets aside poetry in order to 'embark in a troubled sea of
noises and hoarse disputes'.
Because of it, Milton's poetry and prose reflect deep personal convictions, a passion for
freedom and self-determination, and the urgent issues and political turbulence of his day. His

2. celebrated Areopagitica, written in condemnation of pre-publication censorship, is among
history's most influential and impassioned defenses of free speech and freedom of the press.
As you can see, this period represented a dark moment for literature. Did you expect any of
this at the beginning of the video?
The Renaissance is as long as convulsed and it includes many literary works and themes that
are part of the English literature, even today. In order to understand their works, it is
mandatory to seek for context because it defined what and how they write. For example, satire
in a period of censorship. As well, this period had influenced literature forever with
impressive minds such as Shakespeare.
So, were any of your assumptions correct? What of these authors have you read about? Which
works have you read? What do you think about the Renaissance and its literature? Leave a
comment with your answers.
In order to digest all this information, I suggest you to watch the video a couple of times and
write down the most important aspects for you. Try to discuss with your classmates about it. If
you have any doubt or you want more information about this period, you can send an e-mail.
I shall see you anon.
Jessica Rivas.
Jessicamurillou96@gmail.com