George Lillo

Definition

George Lillo was an English playwright best known for his contributions to the rise of domestic tragedy in the early 18th century. He is particularly recognized for his play 'The London Merchant,' which portrays the struggles of a common man and reflects the moral and social concerns of the time, aligning closely with the emerging trend of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy that emphasized emotional engagement and moral lessons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lillo's 'The London Merchant' premiered in 1731 and is considered a pivotal work in the development of domestic tragedy, blending elements of realism with moral undertones.
2. He was influenced by the growing interest in depicting everyday life and emotions, which was a departure from the grand themes prevalent in earlier theatrical works.
3. Lillo's plays often featured protagonists from lower social classes, highlighting their struggles and moral choices, thus making theatre more relatable to the audience.
4. His work paved the way for later playwrights who focused on similar themes, contributing to a significant shift in theatrical storytelling during the 18th century.
5. Lillo's emphasis on emotional depth and moral complexity in his characters helped to shape the sentimental movement in theatre, which became increasingly popular during his time.

Review Questions

• How did George Lillo's work contribute to the emergence of domestic tragedy in early 18th-century theatre?
  • George Lillo's work played a crucial role in the rise of domestic tragedy by focusing on the lives and struggles of ordinary people rather than aristocratic figures. His play 'The London Merchant' showcased realistic characters facing moral dilemmas and emotional turmoil, which resonated with audiences seeking more relatable narratives. This shift towards everyday experiences marked a significant departure from previous theatrical traditions and laid the groundwork for future developments in drama.
• In what ways does Lillo's portrayal of characters reflect the ideals of sentimental comedy?
  • Lillo's portrayal of characters often embodies the ideals of sentimental comedy by emphasizing virtue, emotional depth, and moral integrity. In 'The London Merchant,' for instance, he illustrates how ordinary individuals navigate their personal challenges while ultimately triumphing over adversity. This focus on emotional engagement and moral lessons aligns closely with sentimental comedy's goals, illustrating how Lillo blended these two genres to appeal to audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level.
• Evaluate the impact George Lillo had on later playwrights and the development of theatre as a whole.
  • George Lillo significantly impacted later playwrights by establishing a new narrative approach that emphasized realism and moral complexity in character development. His focus on domestic issues and relatable protagonists influenced subsequent generations of dramatists who sought to address social concerns through their work. This shift not only enriched the theatrical landscape but also encouraged playwrights to explore deeper emotional truths, contributing to the evolution of modern drama as it moved towards more realistic portrayals of life and society.

Related terms

Domestic Tragedy: A genre of drama that focuses on the lives of ordinary people, often dealing with themes of personal loss, moral dilemmas, and social issues.

Sentimental Comedy: A form of comedy that emphasizes emotional responses, virtue, and morality, often showcasing the triumph of good characters over adversity.

Moral Instruction:

The practice of teaching moral values and ethical lessons through literature and drama, often seen in the works of playwrights like Lillo.