Which of the following periods of English Literature is also called 'Puritan Interregnum'?

Correct option is D

Explanation;

The Commonwealth Period in English literature, which spans from 1649 to 1660, is also known as the Puritan Interregnum.

This period follows the execution of King Charles I in 1649, marking the establishment of the Commonwealth of England under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell.

The period is characterized by the absence of a monarch and a strong Puritan influence in political and cultural life, which is why it is often referred to as the Puritan Interregnum.

Information Booster:

The Commonwealth Period is notable for its strict moral codes, the suppression of the theater, and the flourishing of prose and religious literature.
Due to Cromwell's Puritan government, the arts were heavily censored, and theaters were shut down, leading to a notable decline in dramatic production.

 However, despite the restrictions, this period saw the development of significant literature, particularly in the forms of prose, poetry, and political writing.
Writers like John Milton, who wrote his epic Paradise Lost during this time, were crucial figures in this period.

Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector during the Commonwealth Period and played a major role in the political and military aspects of the era.

The period is named after the Commonwealth of England, which was established after the English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I.
Puritan Influence.

The Puritans, who had a strong influence on the government during this time, believed in a strict moral code that included the suppression of frivolity and entertainment such as plays, which they viewed as immoral.

They closed the theaters and restricted many forms of entertainment.

Key Literary Works:

John Milton's Paradise Lost is one of the most famous works from this period. Written during the Commonwealth period, this epic poem reflects Milton’s own political and religious views and is often seen as a response to the political turmoil of the time.
Thomas Hobbes published Leviathan in 1651, which is a foundational text in political philosophy, offering theories about the nature of government and the role of individuals in society.
John Bunyan's The Pilgrim’s Progress was written during this period, blending religious allegory with social commentary.

​Additional Knowledge:

 The Neoclassical Period in English literature, which began in the late 17th century and lasted through the 18th century, is marked by a return to the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. It follows the Restoration Period and is associated with writers like Alexander Pope, John Dryden, and Jonathan Swift. The term "Puritan Interregnum" is not associated with the Neoclassical Period.

 The Caroline Age refers to the period during the reign of King Charles I (1625–1649), just before the English Civil War and the establishment of the Commonwealth. This period saw a flourishing of drama, with playwrights such as Ben Jonson and John Ford, as well as poets like Robert Herrick. However, it is not associated with the term "Puritan Interregnum," which refers specifically to the period after Charles I’s execution.

 The Restoration Period followed the end of the Commonwealth Period, marked by the return of King Charles II to the throne in 1660. It is not referred to as the "Puritan Interregnum." Instead, the period following the death of Oliver Cromwell and the end of the Commonwealth is known as the Restoration because of the re-establishment of the monarchy.