10 Questions
What is the subject of John Dryden's poem Astraea Redux, written in 1660?
The restoration of the monarchy in England after the end of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth.
What is the significance of the title Astraea Redux in Dryden's poem?
It refers to the Roman goddess of justice, Astraea, and her return to Earth, symbolizing the return of a golden age to England.
What is the contrast presented in the first part of the poem between the Commonwealth and the return of Charles II?
The hardships and persecution during the Commonwealth are contrasted with the joy and hope that accompanied the return of Charles II.
What is the symbolism of Charles II being described as a 'new star' in the poem?
It symbolizes the dawn of a new era, with Charles II bringing peace and prosperity to his kingdom.
What is the overall tone of the poem Astraea Redux?
The overall tone is celebratory and hopeful, praising Charles II as a wise and just ruler.
What is the mythology behind Astraea, the Roman goddess of justice?
Astraea was the last of the immortals to live among humans during the Golden Age, when there was peace and prosperity, and she left the Earth when the Iron Age began because of the wickedness of mankind.
What are the 'fanatic lords' in the poem responsible for?
Persecuting the royalists and suppressing their religious practices.
Who is blamed for the wars against the Dutch and the Spanish in the poem?
Oliver Cromwell, referred to as the 'tyrant'.
What is the significance of the 'new star' symbol in the poem?
It symbolizes the dawn of a new era with Charles II's return.
What is the overall theme of the poem's second part?
Praising Charles II as a wise and just ruler who will bring peace and prosperity to his kingdom.
Study Notes
Astraea Redux by John Dryden
- Written in 1660, the poem celebrates the restoration of the monarchy in England after Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth.
- The poem praises Charles II as a wise and just ruler, comparing him to the Roman goddess of justice, Astraea.
- In Roman mythology, Astraea was the last of the immortals to live among humans during the Golden Age, when there was peace and prosperity.
- According to legend, Astraea left the Earth when the Iron Age began due to the wickedness of mankind.
- By comparing Charles II to Astraea, Dryden suggests that the restoration of the monarchy will bring about a new golden age for England.
Hardships during the Commonwealth
- The poem describes the hardships endured by the English people during the Commonwealth.
- Dryden writes that the country was ruled by "fanatic lords" who persecuted the royalists and suppressed their religious practices.
- He also mentions the wars fought against the Dutch and the Spanish, which he blames on the "tyrant" Cromwell.
Praise for Charles II
- In the second part of the poem, Dryden praises Charles II as a wise and just ruler who will bring peace and prosperity to his kingdom.
- He describes the king as a "new star" that has appeared in the sky, symbolizing the dawn of a new era.
Test your knowledge about John Dryden's poem Astraea Redux, which celebrates the return of Charles II to the throne after the end of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth. Learn about the poem's themes, title, and its references to Roman mythology. How well do you understand this 17th-century poem?
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