Wit

Definition

Wit refers to a form of intelligent humor characterized by sharpness and cleverness in expression. It often employs verbal play, irony, and a quickness of mind that reveals deeper truths about human nature and society. This quality became especially prominent during the Restoration period, reflecting both the shifting cultural landscape and the social dynamics of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wit was a defining characteristic of Restoration comedy, allowing playwrights to explore themes of love, society, and morality with a humorous lens.
2. William Congreve and other playwrights often used wit to craft complex characters who navigated social expectations and personal desires.
3. John Dryden emphasized wit in his poetry as part of the Neoclassical Ideal, combining reason with creativity to elevate poetic expression.
4. Wit served not only as entertainment but also as a means of social commentary, highlighting the absurdities of contemporary life and human behavior.
5. The use of wit during this period paved the way for later literary movements by establishing a framework for irony and humor in literature.

Review Questions

• How does wit function as a tool for character development in Restoration comedy?
  • In Restoration comedy, wit serves as a key mechanism for character development by revealing the complexities of human motivations and societal norms. Playwrights like William Congreve crafted characters whose witty exchanges expose their desires, hypocrisies, and moral dilemmas. Through sharp dialogue and clever repartee, these characters engage with one another in ways that both entertain the audience and deepen our understanding of their personalities and conflicts.
• Discuss the role of wit in John Dryden's poetry and how it aligns with the Neoclassical Ideal.
  • Wit plays a crucial role in John Dryden's poetry by exemplifying the Neoclassical Ideal that merges reason with creative expression. Dryden's use of wit allows him to explore themes such as love and politics while maintaining a balance between intellectual rigor and artistic beauty. His clever wordplay and sharp observations not only entertain but also provoke critical thought among readers, adhering to the Neoclassical emphasis on clarity, order, and moral purpose in literature.
• Evaluate how the employment of wit by playwrights like Wycherley and Etherege reflects societal attitudes during the Restoration period.
  • The wit employed by playwrights such as William Wycherley and George Etherege is a reflection of the societal attitudes during the Restoration period, where traditional values were being challenged by emerging ideas about individualism and sexuality. Their plays often feature characters who engage in witty banter that highlights social conventions while simultaneously subverting them. By using humor and irony, these playwrights critique contemporary social mores, showcasing the tension between desire and propriety, which reveals deeper insights into the human condition amid a rapidly changing society.

Related terms

Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize and mock societal norms, individuals, or institutions, often exposing flaws and provoking thought.

Epigram: A brief, witty poem or statement that conveys a clever observation or reflection, typically with a sharp or humorous twist.

Irony: A rhetorical device or figure of speech where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used to create humor or emphasize a point.