Restoration Comedy emerged in England from 1660-1710, reflecting the hedonistic court culture of Charles II. These plays featured witty dialogue, complex plots, and stock characters like the rake and fop, all set against fashionable London society.
Themes included challenging gender norms, satirizing social conventions, and exploring sexual freedom. While presenting more nuanced female characters, these comedies still operated within a patriarchal framework, often resolving plots through marriage despite their critiques of the institution.
Defining Characteristics of Restoration Comedy
Historical Context and Setting
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Emerged in England during 1660-1710 following monarchy restoration under Charles II
Predominantly set in urban environments (London) reflecting fashionable society
Focused on upper-class manners and behavior, satirizing social conventions
Influenced by reopening of theaters after Puritan rule, leading to libertine themes
Reflected court culture of Charles II known for hedonism and pursuit of pleasure
Plot Structure and Characters
Featured complex plots with multiple romantic intrigues and elaborate schemes
Utilized stock characters (rake, fop, country bumpkin, witty heroine)
Introduced "gay couple" concept featuring witty verbal sparring as courtship
Concluded with multiple marriages, often questioning their sincerity
Employed mistaken identities and disguises to drive plot complications
Language and Style
Notable for wit, wordplay, and sexual innuendo pushing social propriety boundaries
Utilized puns, double entendres, and other forms of linguistic complexity
Employed asides and soliloquies for satirical commentary and audience engagement
Contrasted affected speech (fops) with natural wit (heroines and rakes) for humor
Incorporated French dramatic influences reflecting continental connections
Gender Roles in Restoration Comedies
Challenging Traditional Norms
Presented women as intelligent, witty, and sexually aware characters
Explored themes of sexual freedom and marital infidelity
Satirized arranged marriages and marrying for financial or social gain
Portrayed female characters pursuing their own desires and ambitions
Divided male characters into libertines (rakes) challenging norms and fops adhering to etiquette
Complex Female Representation
Developed more nuanced female characters than previous theatrical traditions
Showcased women engaging in witty verbal sparring as a form of courtship
Depicted heroines manipulating social conventions to achieve their goals
Explored the tension between women's desires and societal expectations
Presented female characters with agency in romantic and social pursuits (Mirabell in "")
Limitations and Patriarchal Framework
Operated within overarching patriarchal societal structure
Limited ultimate power of female characters by societal constraints
Resolved plots often through marriage, reinforcing traditional institutions
Portrayed women's sexual freedom as both liberating and potentially dangerous
Reflected complex attitudes towards women's roles in Restoration society
Social and Political Influence on Restoration Comedy
Political Commentary and Allegory
Incorporated political themes and allegories reflecting current events
Used characters and plot lines as commentary on political figures
Critiqued excesses and moral hypocrisy of the aristocracy
Reflected broader social tensions of the time through satirical portrayals
Employed caricatures of political factions (Whigs and Tories in "The Country Wife")
Changing Social Dynamics
Satirized emerging middle class and changing social mobility
Explored tensions between old aristocracy and newly wealthy merchants
Depicted conflicts between town (sophisticated) and country (rustic) values
Reflected changing attitudes towards marriage and sexuality in Restoration society
Portrayed the impact of increased social mixing on traditional hierarchies
Religious and Cultural Influences
Included religious themes and critiques of Puritanism
Reflected complex religious landscape of post-Restoration England
Incorporated continental influences, particularly from French drama and culture
Explored the clash between traditional values and new, more libertine attitudes
Depicted the impact of increased travel and global trade on English society (characters returning from Grand Tours)
Wit and Satire in Restoration Comedies
Forms of Wit and Wordplay
Characterized by quick, intelligent, and often biting exchanges between characters
Employed repartee for verbal dueling, character development, and comedy
Utilized puns, double entendres, and complex wordplay
Contrasted sophisticated wit with rustic or affected speech for comedic effect
Showcased linguistic dexterity as a marker of social status and desirability
Satirical Techniques and Targets
Targeted social conventions, political figures, and moral hypocrisies of upper classes
Used dramatic irony to enhance satirical effect (audience aware of information characters are not)
Employed caricature and exaggeration to highlight societal flaws
Critiqued fashionable affectations and social climbing (Sir Fopling Flutter in "The Man of Mode")
Satirized sexual hypocrisy and the gap between public morality and private behavior
Function of Humor and Critique
Served as social commentary while providing entertainment
Used humor to address controversial topics more palatably
Employed wit as a means of social critique and character assessment
Reflected changing societal norms through comedic situations
Balanced biting with lighthearted comedy to appeal to diverse audiences
Key Terms to Review (17)
Banter: Banter is a playful and witty form of conversation that often involves teasing or light-hearted joking. It serves as a mechanism for social interaction and can reveal character dynamics, establish rapport, and enhance comedic elements within dialogue.
Class and social mobility: Class refers to the hierarchical distinctions between different groups in society, often based on wealth, education, and occupation, while social mobility is the ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social ladder. These concepts are crucial in understanding how individuals navigate their positions within a society that values status and wealth, which is deeply explored in various literary forms, especially in the context of societal changes and personal aspirations.
Class disparity: Class disparity refers to the significant differences in wealth, resources, and opportunities that exist between various social classes. This concept highlights how economic inequalities affect individuals' access to education, healthcare, and social mobility, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Understanding class disparity is crucial for analyzing societal dynamics and the portrayal of characters and themes in literature.
Comic resolution: Comic resolution is the narrative conclusion of a comedic work that typically restores order and harmony after a series of misunderstandings, conflicts, or chaotic situations. It often involves the reconciliation of characters, the resolution of romantic entanglements, and the establishment of social order, allowing the audience to leave with a sense of joy and satisfaction. This resolution is essential in comedic storytelling as it reinforces themes of love, wit, and social commentary while ultimately celebrating human relationships.
Epigram: An epigram is a brief, witty poem or saying that often conveys a clever or satirical message. In the context of Restoration Comedy, epigrams reflect the sharp social commentary and humor that characterize this theatrical style, often encapsulating complex ideas in just a few lines. Their concise nature makes them memorable and impactful, allowing playwrights to critique societal norms while entertaining the audience.
Farce: Farce is a comedic genre characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations, slapstick humor, and absurdity that often involves mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and rapid plot twists. It engages the audience through its energetic pacing and ludicrous scenarios, making it a distinct form within the broader landscape of theatrical genres. The structural elements in farce play a crucial role in creating humor, as timing and physical comedy often take precedence over verbal wit.
Gender Roles: Gender roles refer to the societal norms and expectations that dictate the behaviors, attitudes, and responsibilities deemed appropriate for individuals based on their perceived gender. These roles often influence characters in plays, shaping their actions, motivations, and relationships, especially in genres like sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy, as well as in restoration comedy, where traditional gender dynamics are often scrutinized or exaggerated for comedic or dramatic effect.
George Farquhar: George Farquhar was an Irish playwright known for his significant contributions to Restoration comedy, particularly in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His works are characterized by sharp wit, lively characters, and an exploration of themes like love, social class, and the nature of marriage, blending humor with deeper commentary on society.
Love and marriage: Love and marriage are intertwined concepts that explore the emotional and social contracts between individuals, often focusing on romantic relationships, commitment, and societal expectations. In the context of literature, particularly during the Restoration period, these themes reflect the shifting attitudes toward romantic love, duty, and social status, revealing the complexities of human relationships in a rapidly changing society.
Mistaken Identity: Mistaken identity refers to a scenario in which a character is incorrectly identified as someone else, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations. This trope plays a significant role in creating tension, humor, and plot twists, often highlighting themes of social class, love, and deception.
Satire: Satire is a literary and theatrical technique that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, societal norms, or institutions. It often aims to provoke thought and encourage change by exposing flaws or absurdities. This form of expression can be used across various genres and styles, making it a versatile tool for artists to comment on their world.
The Beaux' Stratagem: The Beaux' Stratagem is a Restoration comedy written by George Farquhar, first performed in 1707. This play embodies the themes and conventions of Restoration comedy, focusing on love, deception, and social status while employing witty dialogue and complex characters to critique societal norms and expectations of the time.
The fop: The fop is a stock character often found in Restoration comedies, representing a vain, self-absorbed man overly concerned with fashion and social status. He is characterized by his excessive attention to appearance and a tendency to prioritize style over substance, which often leads to humorous situations and critiques of societal norms regarding masculinity and gentility.
The way of the world: The way of the world refers to the social norms, behaviors, and attitudes that define human interactions within a given society, particularly highlighting the often cynical view of love, marriage, and morality. In the context of Restoration Comedy, this concept exposes the duplicity of human nature and the social machinations that dictate relationships and personal motivations.
The witty heroine: The witty heroine is a character archetype often found in Restoration Comedy, characterized by her intelligence, sharp humor, and ability to navigate complex social situations with cleverness and charm. This type of character often challenges societal norms and uses her wit to manipulate situations, ultimately achieving her goals or exposing the flaws of others, making her a central figure in the comedic narrative.
Theatres reopening: Theatres reopening refers to the process of live performance venues resuming operations after being closed, typically due to external circumstances such as pandemics or economic downturns. This resurgence not only marks the return of live entertainment but also often leads to a revival of theatrical practices and audience engagement that had been dormant during the closure period.
William Congreve: William Congreve was an English playwright and poet, known for his contributions to Restoration comedy during the late 17th century. His works are characterized by sharp wit, clever dialogue, and intricate plots that often revolve around themes of love, social status, and the complexities of human relationships. Congreve's plays exemplify the conventions of Restoration comedy, which frequently includes stock characters, misunderstandings, and a satirical look at contemporary society.