Double entendre

Definition

A double entendre is a figure of speech or a phrase that has two interpretations, with one of them often being risqué or having a sexual connotation. This clever use of language allows for humor and wit, making it particularly popular in comedic works where playful ambiguity can enhance character interactions and plot development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Double entendres were especially prevalent in Restoration comedy, where playwrights used them to add layers of meaning and engage audiences.
2. Many characters in Restoration comedies employed double entendres in their dialogue, allowing them to navigate social restrictions while discussing themes of love and desire.
3. Notable playwrights like William Congreve and George Etherege frequently used double entendre to craft humorous exchanges that highlighted character relationships and societal norms.
4. The use of double entendre in Restoration comedy often reflected the era's shifting attitudes toward sexuality and relationships, providing both entertainment and social commentary.
5. While double entendres can be humorous, they also serve as a tool for characters to express subtext, revealing their true intentions without overtly stating them.

Review Questions

• How does the use of double entendre enhance character interactions in Restoration comedies?
  • Double entendres enhance character interactions by allowing characters to communicate complex ideas or feelings without explicitness. This creates an atmosphere of wit and cleverness, as characters can flirt, jest, or challenge social norms while remaining within the bounds of propriety. The playful ambiguity invites the audience to engage with the text on multiple levels, enriching the comedic experience.
• In what ways did notable playwrights like Congreve utilize double entendre to comment on societal norms during the Restoration period?
  • Playwrights like Congreve used double entendre as a tool for social critique in their works, cleverly embedding commentary on love, desire, and societal expectations within seemingly innocent dialogues. By doing so, they highlighted the tension between public decorum and private desires, allowing audiences to reflect on the complexities of human relationships. This use of language not only entertained but also provoked thought about the evolving attitudes toward morality and sexuality during the Restoration.
• Evaluate the impact of double entendre on the overall themes and messages conveyed in Restoration comedies.
  • Double entendre plays a crucial role in shaping the themes and messages of Restoration comedies by emphasizing the contrast between appearance and reality. This technique reveals deeper truths about character motivations and societal norms while providing humor. As audiences navigate the layers of meaning within these phrases, they are encouraged to consider issues like gender roles and moral hypocrisy. Ultimately, the impact of double entendre enriches the narrative by inviting critical engagement with its content and promoting a nuanced understanding of human behavior.

Related terms

Pun: A form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect.

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

Wit: The ability to express oneself in a clever and inventive manner, often involving the use of language to create humor.