Double entendres

Definition

A double entendre is a figure of speech that has two meanings, one of which is usually risqué or ironic. This clever use of language adds depth and humor to dialogue, often used in theatrical works to elicit laughter or provoke thought. In the context of Restoration Drama and Comedy of Manners, double entendres serve as a hallmark of wit, showcasing the social dynamics and sexual innuendos that characterize the era's comedic style.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Double entendres are prevalent in Restoration comedies, where playwrights cleverly blend humor with commentary on societal norms and relationships.
2. The use of double entendres in this period often highlighted the tension between public propriety and private desires, revealing the complexities of social interactions.
3. Notable playwrights like William Congreve utilized double entendres to entertain audiences while also critiquing the moral standards of their time.
4. These wordplays often served as a tool for characters to navigate courtship and seduction, allowing for layered meanings that could appeal to both upper-class audiences and the more general public.
5. The clever employment of double entendres contributed significantly to the enduring appeal of Restoration drama, as audiences enjoyed deciphering the multiple layers of meaning in dialogue.

Review Questions

• How do double entendres enhance the comedic elements in Restoration Drama?
  • Double entendres enhance the comedic elements in Restoration Drama by adding layers of meaning that engage the audience's intellect. They allow characters to navigate complex social situations with wit and humor, often addressing taboo subjects indirectly. This clever wordplay not only entertains but also invites the audience to consider deeper themes related to social norms and personal relationships.
• Discuss how double entendres reflect the social dynamics of the Restoration period.
  • Double entendres reflect the social dynamics of the Restoration period by highlighting the contrast between public decorum and private desires. They often reveal characters' hidden motivations and aspirations while providing commentary on the rigid societal expectations of the time. This duality allows playwrights to critique the norms surrounding courtship, gender roles, and morality through clever language that resonates with contemporary audiences.
• Evaluate the significance of double entendres in shaping modern comedy, considering their roots in Restoration Drama.
  • The significance of double entendres in shaping modern comedy lies in their ability to create humor through ambiguity and layered meanings, a technique deeply rooted in Restoration Drama. This form of wordplay has evolved but remains central to comedic writing today, influencing various genres from sitcoms to stand-up routines. By examining how double entendres were employed historically, we can appreciate their role in developing comedic timing, character interaction, and social commentary, which continue to be vital elements in contemporary comedy.

Related terms

Innuendo: An indirect or subtle reference, often with a suggestive or disparaging connotation.

Wit: The ability to say or write things that are clever and usually funny; it often involves quick thinking and a playful use of language.

Satire: A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms, behaviors, and institutions.