1685–1686

The transition between the reigns of Charles II and James II brought controversy, with an openly practicing Catholic on the throne, the Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion, and the consolidation of the Whig and Tory parties in Parliament. Poets and dramatists responded to these national events. while also dealing with increasing attempts by both court and clergy such as Jeremy Collier to reform the libertine court and stage. A new generation of dramatists appeared, including William Congreve, Thomas Southerne, and the so-called Female Wits, Delarivier Manley, Mary Pix, and CatharineTrotter.