Sentimental comedy

Definition

Sentimental comedy is a theatrical genre that emerged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, characterized by its focus on emotional appeal, virtue, and moral lessons, often contrasting with the earlier Restoration comedies that prioritized wit and social satire. This genre sought to evoke genuine feelings from the audience, encouraging empathy and reflection on human behavior and ethics, which marked a shift in the nature of comedic storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimental comedies often included melodramatic elements, showcasing characters who faced moral dilemmas that tested their virtue.
2. The genre was influenced by Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing reason and morality while also appealing to emotions.
3. Unlike Restoration comedies that focused on clever dialogue and satire, sentimental comedies aimed to evoke tears and emotional responses from the audience.
4. Key playwrights associated with sentimental comedy include Richard Steele and Colley Cibber, who incorporated moral themes into their works.
5. The popularity of sentimental comedy reflected broader cultural shifts toward valuing emotion and individual morality during the early 18th century.

Review Questions

• How does sentimental comedy differentiate itself from Restoration comedy in terms of themes and audience engagement?
  • Sentimental comedy stands apart from Restoration comedy primarily through its emphasis on emotional engagement and moral messages rather than just wit and social satire. While Restoration comedy often highlights clever dialogue and ironic situations, sentimental comedy focuses on evoking genuine emotions like compassion and empathy from its audience. This shift illustrates a growing cultural interest in morality and emotional depth, leading to stories where characters face ethical challenges that resonate on a personal level.
• What role did Enlightenment thinkers play in shaping the characteristics of sentimental comedy?
  • Enlightenment thinkers significantly influenced sentimental comedy by promoting ideas related to reason, individualism, and moral sentiment. The movement emphasized understanding human behavior through rational thought while also valuing emotions as a guide for ethical conduct. This intellectual backdrop helped writers craft narratives that not only entertained but also encouraged audiences to reflect on their own values and empathize with the struggles of characters facing moral dilemmas.
• Evaluate how the rise of sentimental comedy reflected changing societal values in the early 18th century.
  • The rise of sentimental comedy reflected a broader shift in societal values during the early 18th century as audiences began to favor emotional resonance over mere entertainment. This genre's focus on morality and virtue highlighted an emerging cultural belief in the importance of empathy and personal integrity. As people sought deeper connections with characters and their struggles, sentimental comedy became a medium for exploring human emotions in a way that encouraged viewers to consider their own ethical beliefs in a rapidly changing social landscape.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy:

A style of English comedy that flourished in the late 17th century, known for its sharp wit, sexual innuendo, and exploration of social manners and relationships.

Moral Sentiment: An ethical framework that emphasizes the role of emotions and feelings in moral judgment, highlighting the importance of compassion and empathy in human interactions.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which became a central theme in sentimental comedy as it aimed to connect the audience with the characters' experiences.