George Lillo

Definition

George Lillo was an English playwright and a significant figure in the emergence of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy in the early 18th century. He is best known for his play 'The London Merchant,' which marked a shift toward representing middle-class characters and moral dilemmas on stage, emphasizing emotional engagement and the consequences of moral choices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. George Lillo's most famous work, 'The London Merchant,' premiered in 1731 and is considered one of the first domestic tragedies, showcasing the lives of the lower and middle classes.
2. Lillo's plays often contain strong moral lessons, emphasizing the importance of virtue and the consequences of vice, which resonated with audiences of his time.
3. 'The London Merchant' features a tragic hero, representing a common man who falls from grace due to moral failings, illustrating the potential for redemption through suffering.
4. Lillo's writing style blended elements of realism with heightened emotion, helping to establish a new standard for character development in drama.
5. His influence extended beyond his own works, inspiring later playwrights who explored similar themes of morality, society, and personal responsibility in their own dramas.

Review Questions

• How did George Lillo contribute to the evolution of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy in his plays?
  • George Lillo played a pivotal role in the evolution of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy by introducing middle-class characters and moral dilemmas into his works. His play 'The London Merchant' broke away from traditional aristocratic themes, showcasing relatable struggles faced by ordinary people. This shift helped to create a new genre that emphasized emotional engagement and encouraged audiences to reflect on moral choices.
• Discuss the thematic significance of moral responsibility in George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' and how it reflects broader societal values during its time.
  • 'The London Merchant' highlights moral responsibility as a central theme, showcasing how individual choices impact not only personal lives but also the community. Lillo's protagonist faces dire consequences due to his moral failings, mirroring societal concerns about vice and virtue during the early 18th century. This focus on accountability speaks to the evolving social norms that began to prioritize middle-class values and ethical behavior.
• Evaluate how George Lillo's approach to character development in his plays influenced future playwrights and contributed to the dramatic landscape.
  • George Lillo's approach to character development introduced depth and complexity to the portrayal of ordinary individuals in theater. By focusing on realistic emotions and moral conflicts faced by his characters, he set a precedent for later playwrights who sought to explore similar themes. His influence can be seen in the works of subsequent authors who continued to prioritize relatable characters and ethical dilemmas, shaping the trajectory of drama toward a more human-centered narrative.

Related terms

Sentimental Comedy: A genre that focuses on emotional responses and often involves middle-class characters facing moral challenges, designed to evoke feelings of sympathy and compassion in the audience.

Domestic Tragedy: A dramatic genre that portrays the lives and struggles of ordinary people, often highlighting personal and familial issues, leading to tragic outcomes.

Moral Responsibility: The idea that individuals are accountable for their actions and the impact those actions have on others, a central theme in Lillo's works.