George Lillo

Definition

George Lillo was an influential English playwright and the author of 'The London Merchant', a pioneering work in the genre of bourgeois tragedy. His writing marked a shift towards the exploration of the lives and struggles of the middle class, moving away from the noble characters typical in earlier tragedies. Lillo's works reflect societal changes during the Restoration and early 18th century, illustrating the complexities of human emotion and morality in everyday life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' premiered in 1731 and is considered one of the first examples of bourgeois tragedy, focusing on the moral conflicts faced by a merchant.
2. Lillo was part of the growing interest in realism in theater, as he sought to depict relatable characters with realistic struggles instead of just noble or heroic figures.
3. In 'The London Merchant', Lillo uses a tragic ending to emphasize the consequences of vice and moral failure, showcasing a didactic purpose common in bourgeois tragedies.
4. Lillo's portrayal of lower and middle-class characters helped pave the way for future playwrights who focused on societal issues and the human condition.
5. His work reflects the changing dynamics of 18th-century society, where the rise of commerce and capitalism began to shape individual identities and social values.

Review Questions

• How did George Lillo's portrayal of characters differ from traditional tragedy, and what significance does this have for understanding bourgeois tragedy?
  • George Lillo's portrayal of characters in 'The London Merchant' differed significantly from traditional tragedies by focusing on middle-class individuals rather than noble figures. This shift highlights the emergence of bourgeois tragedy as a genre that explores relatable human experiences and moral dilemmas. By centering his narrative on ordinary people, Lillo emphasizes the complexities of their emotions and decisions, making his work relevant to a broader audience and reflecting societal changes during his time.
• Evaluate how Lillo's work in 'The London Merchant' reflects themes of morality and social status within the context of early 18th-century England.
  • Lillo's 'The London Merchant' serves as a reflection of early 18th-century England by exploring themes of morality and social status through its depiction of a merchant's downfall. The protagonist faces moral conflicts that stem from ambition and desire for social advancement, illustrating how these aspirations can lead to tragic consequences. This focus on individual morality within a rising middle class underscores the tensions between personal ambition and societal expectations during this transformative period.
• Analyze the impact that George Lillo's contributions had on later playwrights and the evolution of theater in relation to middle-class narratives.
  • George Lillo's contributions to theater had a significant impact on later playwrights by establishing bourgeois tragedy as a legitimate genre that centered on middle-class narratives. His focus on realistic characters and their moral struggles paved the way for subsequent dramatists to explore social issues and human experiences beyond aristocratic confines. As this trend continued into the 19th century, it fostered a richer understanding of diverse societal perspectives in theater, influencing movements such as realism and naturalism that further highlighted everyday life and its complexities.

Related terms

Bourgeois Tragedy: A genre of drama that focuses on the lives and struggles of middle-class characters, emphasizing their moral dilemmas and emotional experiences.

The London Merchant: George Lillo's most famous play, which tells the story of a young merchant's rise and fall, highlighting themes of ambition, morality, and social status.

Restoration Drama: Theatrical works produced during the Restoration period in England (1660-1700), characterized by a focus on themes of social hierarchy, love, and morality.