key term - Restoration Comedy

Definition

Restoration Comedy refers to a genre of English theatrical plays written and performed during the Restoration period in the late 17th century, characterized by its witty dialogue, satirical humor, and a focus on the complexities of love and social manners. This genre emerged following the re-establishment of the monarchy in 1660 and is notable for its exploration of themes such as sexual politics, class distinctions, and the behaviors of the aristocracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Restoration Comedy often featured stock characters such as the clever servant, the foolish husband, and the witty mistress, highlighting social dynamics of the time.
2. Notable playwrights of this genre include William Wycherley, George Etherege, and John Vanbrugh, who crafted memorable works that have had a lasting influence on comedy.
3. The humor in Restoration Comedy frequently addressed contemporary societal issues like courtship practices and gender roles, using satire to critique the behavior of the upper classes.
4. Women were allowed to perform on stage for the first time during this period, which added new dimensions to gender representation and dynamics within these comedies.
5. Restoration Comedies often relied on misunderstandings and mistaken identities as central plot devices, creating humorous situations that highlighted human folly.

Review Questions

• How did Restoration Comedy reflect the social attitudes and dynamics of the late 17th century?
  • Restoration Comedy reflected the social attitudes of its time by satirizing the behaviors and morals of the aristocracy. The plays often tackled themes such as sexual politics, courtship rituals, and class distinctions. By using witty dialogue and humorous situations, playwrights captured the complexities of love and relationships among the upper classes, providing audiences with both entertainment and a critique of societal norms.
• Analyze how the introduction of female actors influenced the themes and character dynamics in Restoration Comedy.
  • The introduction of female actors significantly changed Restoration Comedy by allowing for more authentic portrayals of female characters. This shift enabled playwrights to create complex female roles that reflected real-life experiences and social constraints faced by women at that time. The interplay between male and female characters became richer and more nuanced, often exploring themes of desire, power dynamics, and gender relations in ways that were previously limited.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Restoration Comedy on modern theater and its relevance to contemporary comedic styles.
  • Restoration Comedy has had a profound impact on modern theater by laying foundational elements for contemporary comedic styles. Its emphasis on witty dialogue, satire, and complex character interactions can be seen in today's romantic comedies and situational comedies. The genre's exploration of social issues through humor continues to resonate with audiences, making it relevant as it reflects ongoing conversations about gender roles, relationships, and societal norms in various forms of media today.

Related terms

Theatrical License: The freedom given to playwrights and actors to bend the rules of decorum or reality for comedic or dramatic effect, often seen in Restoration comedies.

Heroic Tragedy: A dramatic genre that was popular before Restoration Comedy, focusing on noble characters and serious themes, often contrasting with the lighter tone of Restoration plays.

Farce: A comedic style that employs exaggerated and improbable situations, slapstick humor, and physical comedy, which influenced many elements in Restoration Comedy.