Comedy of manners

Definition

Comedy of manners is a theatrical genre that satirizes the behavior and customs of the upper class, often using wit and humor to expose the superficiality and pretensions of social interactions. This genre highlights the intricacies of relationships, social status, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters in their pursuit of love and acceptance within society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The comedy of manners became popular during the Restoration period in England as social norms shifted and theaters reopened after years of closure.
2. Writers like Richard Brinsley Sheridan and William Congreve are notable for their contributions to this genre, using sharp dialogue and intricate plots to entertain audiences.
3. This genre often features stock characters such as the foolish husband, the witty wife, and the scheming maid, highlighting the absurdities of societal expectations.
4. The humor in comedy of manners often stems from misunderstandings and the characters' attempts to navigate complex social situations, leading to comedic consequences.
5. Themes of love, marriage, and social ambition are central to comedy of manners, providing a lens through which audiences can reflect on their own societal norms.

Review Questions

• How does comedy of manners reflect the social dynamics and cultural shifts of the Restoration period?
  • Comedy of manners mirrors the social dynamics of the Restoration period by addressing the changing roles and expectations within society. As traditional norms were challenged, playwrights used humor to highlight the superficiality and pretensions prevalent among the upper class. The witty dialogues and intricate plots reveal how characters navigate love and relationships while confronting societal pressures, thus providing a commentary on contemporary cultural shifts.
• In what ways do playwrights like Sheridan and Congreve use character archetypes to convey themes in comedy of manners?
  • Playwrights like Sheridan and Congreve employ character archetypes such as the witty wife or foolish husband to effectively convey themes of love and social ambition in comedy of manners. These archetypes serve as vehicles for satire, allowing authors to critique societal norms through their interactions. The exaggerated traits of these characters create comedic scenarios that not only entertain but also provoke thought regarding relationships and social conventions.
• Evaluate the impact of comedy of manners on modern comedic forms in theater and film. How has its legacy continued in contemporary storytelling?
  • The impact of comedy of manners on modern comedic forms is significant as it established a foundation for character-driven narratives that explore social dynamics. Contemporary theater and film still utilize similar themes of wit and humor to examine relationships within varying societal contexts. The legacy continues through works that emphasize character interactions and societal critique, showcasing how humor can be an effective tool for commentary on human behavior and relationships across different eras.

Related terms

Satire: A literary technique used to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society, often employing humor, irony, or exaggeration.

Restoration Comedy:

A style of comedy that emerged during the Restoration period in England, characterized by its witty dialogue, complex plots, and focus on the romantic entanglements of the upper class.

Farce: A comedic style that uses exaggerated situations, physical humor, and absurdity to entertain, often focusing on misunderstandings and mistaken identities.