Double entendres

Definition

Double entendres are phrases or expressions that have two meanings, one of which is often risqué or suggestive. They are a clever way to convey humor or criticism, allowing writers to engage their audience while playing with language. In the realm of Restoration comedy, this technique is frequently used to explore themes of sexuality, social norms, and the complexities of human relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Double entendres are a hallmark of Restoration comedy, where they serve to both amuse and provoke thought about societal norms.
2. This technique allows characters to navigate the strict moral codes of their time by expressing desires and thoughts indirectly.
3. Many famous playwrights of the Restoration era, like William Congreve and George Etherege, skillfully employed double entendres in their works.
4. Double entendres often arise in conversations between characters, creating tension and comedic situations as they maneuver around sensitive subjects.
5. The clever use of double entendres in Restoration comedies highlights the era's preoccupation with themes of love, courtship, and sexual innuendo.

Review Questions

• How do double entendres enhance the comedic elements of Restoration comedy?
  • Double entendres add layers of humor to Restoration comedies by allowing characters to express risqué thoughts while maintaining social decorum. This creates a playful tension in dialogue where the audience understands the underlying meaning, even if other characters do not. As a result, these clever wordplays can lead to humorous misunderstandings and situations that reflect the complexities of love and desire within the societal constraints of the time.
• Analyze the role of double entendres in shaping character interactions within Restoration comedies.
  • In Restoration comedies, double entendres are vital for shaping character interactions as they reveal underlying motivations and desires. Characters often use these phrases to navigate flirtations or social hierarchies without overtly breaking societal norms. This form of communication reflects their wit and intelligence, allowing them to engage in playful banter while hinting at deeper issues related to sexuality and power dynamics in their relationships.
• Evaluate how double entendres reflect the cultural attitudes towards sexuality and social norms during the Restoration period.
  • Double entendres in Restoration comedy serve as a lens through which we can evaluate cultural attitudes towards sexuality and social norms of the era. By utilizing this form of wordplay, playwrights were able to critique and challenge societal expectations surrounding love and morality. The frequent use of suggestive language indicates a society that was grappling with sexual liberation yet still bound by traditional values. Analyzing these elements reveals how Restoration comedies not only entertained but also encouraged audiences to reflect on their own views about desire and propriety.

Related terms

puns: 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 individuals, institutions, or society as a whole.

wit: The ability to use words in a clever and inventive way, often marked by sharp humor and intellectual playfulness.