Comedy of manners

Definition

Comedy of manners is a genre of comedy that satirizes the behaviors, customs, and social conventions of a particular class, often the upper class. This form of comedy highlights the absurdities and foibles of its characters through witty dialogue, misunderstandings, and intricate plots, reflecting the societal norms of its time. It emerged prominently during the Restoration period, showcasing the shift in cultural attitudes following the return of Charles II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comedy of manners often features a sophisticated dialogue that showcases the characters' intelligence and social standing, making it both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
2. The genre typically revolves around romantic entanglements and misunderstandings among characters who are often depicted as superficial or self-serving.
3. The emergence of comedy of manners coincided with the Restoration period's relaxed moral codes, reflecting a society more open to exploring themes of love and relationships.
4. Key characteristics include elaborate plots filled with mistaken identities and clever schemes that ultimately reveal the truth about characters' motivations.
5. Prominent playwrights like William Wycherley and George Etherege used this genre to critique contemporary society while also appealing to audiences seeking entertainment after years of Puritan restrictions.

Review Questions

• How does comedy of manners reflect the social dynamics and cultural shifts during the Restoration period?
  • Comedy of manners serves as a mirror to the social dynamics of the Restoration period by satirizing the behaviors and customs of the upper class. With the return of Charles II, there was a marked change in cultural attitudes towards love and sexuality, allowing playwrights to explore these themes through humor. The witty dialogue and intricate plots not only entertain but also critique the superficiality and absurdity present in social interactions, showcasing the evolving values within society.
• In what ways do William Wycherley and George Etherege exemplify the characteristics of comedy of manners in their works?
  • William Wycherley and George Etherege exemplify comedy of manners through their sharp wit and complex characters that embody the frivolity of their social class. Wycherley's 'The Country Wife' features intricate plots centered around deception and romantic entanglements that highlight moral ambiguity. Similarly, Etherege's 'The Man of Mode' uses sophisticated dialogue to comment on contemporary social issues while portraying characters who navigate love and societal expectations with cunning. Both playwrights effectively use humor to critique societal norms while providing entertainment.
• Evaluate how comedy of manners differs from other comedic forms in terms of themes, character development, and societal critique.
  • Comedy of manners stands apart from other comedic forms through its focus on social class and manners rather than broader universal themes. Unlike farce or slapstick comedies that prioritize physical humor, comedy of manners relies on witty dialogue and character interactions to expose the absurdities of upper-class life. The character development is nuanced, revealing complex motivations driven by societal pressures. This genre uniquely critiques social conventions by highlighting their ridiculousness, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own behaviors in relation to societal expectations.

Related terms

Restoration Drama: A theatrical movement that began in England with the reopening of theaters in 1660, characterized by the mixing of genres and the exploration of social themes, especially those related to love and sexuality.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms, often revealing deeper truths about human behavior.

Wit: The ability to make clever remarks or jokes, often employed in dialogues within comedy of manners to underscore character traits and highlight societal norms.