Comedy of manners

Definition

Comedy of manners is a genre of comedy that satirizes the behaviors, customs, and social norms of a specific class, often focusing on the interactions and relationships among the upper class. This style highlights the absurdities and pretensions of society, using wit and humor to critique social conventions. The genre typically features clever dialogue, romantic entanglements, and a focus on social status, making it a significant lens through which to view both personal relationships and societal critiques in literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comedy of manners emerged as a popular genre in the late 17th century, particularly in Restoration England, reflecting the changing social dynamics after the monarchy was restored.
2. Royall Tyler's 'The Contrast' is an early American example of this genre, showcasing the tensions between European aristocratic customs and American values.
3. The genre often features stock characters, such as the witty hero, the foolish elder, and the young lovers, who embody the various social attitudes being critiqued.
4. Wit and repartee are key elements in comedy of manners, with characters engaging in sharp exchanges that reveal their motivations and societal roles.
5. Themes often include love, marriage, and class conflict, making comedies of manners not only entertaining but also reflective of societal values and issues.

Review Questions

• How does 'The Contrast' exemplify the characteristics of a comedy of manners?
  • 'The Contrast' exemplifies comedy of manners through its satirical portrayal of social customs and relationships among its characters. The play contrasts European aristocratic behaviors with American ideals, highlighting the absurdities and pretensions of upper-class society. Through clever dialogue and humorous situations, it critiques the superficiality of social interactions while emphasizing genuine American values like sincerity and merit.
• In what ways does the comedy of manners reflect changes in society during its emergence in America?
  • The emergence of comedy of manners in America reflects significant societal changes such as the shift from European traditions to American independence. As the country developed its own identity, this genre highlighted the clash between old-world aristocratic values and new-world democratic ideals. By portraying characters who navigate these social tensions, comedies of manners revealed evolving attitudes toward class and behavior in American society.
• Evaluate the impact of comedy of manners on contemporary American theater, drawing connections to earlier works like 'The Contrast.'
  • Comedy of manners has had a lasting impact on contemporary American theater by shaping how playwrights address social issues through humor and character interactions. Works like 'The Contrast' laid the groundwork for future playwrights to explore themes related to class, identity, and societal expectations. By using wit to critique cultural norms, modern plays continue to echo the style and substance of earlier comedies of manners, making it a vital part of American dramatic tradition that remains relevant today.

Related terms

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock social norms and human behavior.

Aristocratic Society: A social structure characterized by the dominance of a privileged class, often depicted in comedies of manners as the target for satire.

Dialogue: The written conversational exchange between characters in a play, which is crucial in comedies of manners for conveying wit and social commentary.