The Beaux' Stratagem

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Beaux' Stratagem features two young men who, seeking to improve their fortunes, engage in schemes to win the affections of wealthy women.
2. The play critiques the nature of marriage and the transactional aspects of love during the Restoration period, emphasizing both emotional connections and financial motivations.
3. Farquhar's work employs humor through misunderstandings and disguises, which are common devices used in Restoration comedies to create comedic situations.
4. Strong female characters are central to The Beaux' Stratagem, showcasing women's intelligence and agency within a male-dominated society.
5. The play concludes with a celebration of true love and mutual respect, contrasting with the superficial relationships often portrayed in other works of Restoration comedy.

Review Questions

• How does The Beaux' Stratagem utilize common themes found in Restoration comedy to develop its narrative?
  • The Beaux' Stratagem employs themes such as love, deception, and societal expectations, which are hallmark characteristics of Restoration comedy. The plot revolves around young men using clever schemes to win over wealthy women, reflecting both the romantic ideals and the social maneuvering typical of the era. Additionally, the play’s use of wit and satire critiques the societal norms surrounding marriage and courtship, allowing for a deeper exploration of character motivations and relationships.
• In what ways do female characters in The Beaux' Stratagem challenge traditional gender roles present in other Restoration comedies?
  • Female characters in The Beaux' Stratagem are portrayed as intelligent and resourceful, challenging the passive roles often assigned to women in other Restoration comedies. For instance, women like Dorinda actively participate in their romantic pursuits rather than waiting for suitors to approach them. This shift not only highlights their agency but also allows Farquhar to critique societal expectations surrounding marriage by showcasing women who are capable of influencing their destinies.
• Evaluate how Farquhar’s use of stock characters enhances the comedic elements in The Beaux' Stratagem while also serving a critical purpose.
  • Farquhar's use of stock characters in The Beaux' Stratagem enhances its comedic elements by providing familiar archetypes that audiences can easily recognize, such as the foolish husband or the scheming servant. These characters contribute to humor through exaggerated traits and situational irony. However, beyond just entertaining, these stock characters serve a critical purpose by exposing societal flaws; they reveal the absurdities of human behavior and social conventions prevalent during the Restoration period. This dual function of humor and critique is a signature aspect of Farquhar’s work.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A genre of English comedy that emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by its witty dialogue, focus on love and courtship, and a satirical look at societal manners and morals.

Comedy of Manners: A subgenre of Restoration comedy that explores the relationships and behaviors of the upper classes, often highlighting the absurdities and hypocrisies of their social practices.

Stock Characters:

Recurring character types in literature and drama, particularly in comedies, that represent specific traits or societal roles, such as the foolish husband or the cunning servant.