Comedy of manners

Definition

A comedy of manners is a theatrical genre that satirizes the behavior, customs, and social norms of a particular class, often focusing on the lives and relationships of the upper or fashionable classes. It highlights the contrasts between appearance and reality, exploring themes such as love, marriage, and social pretension with wit and humor. This genre emerged prominently during specific periods, reflecting societal changes and tensions, particularly in the context of Restoration England and French Neoclassical theatre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The genre gained popularity in England during the Restoration period after the monarchy was restored in 1660, allowing for a more open expression of sexuality and social commentary.
2. Restoration comedies often featured stock characters like the witty young lover, the foppish aristocrat, and the scheming servant, who highlighted the absurdities of high society.
3. Molière's works exemplify the comedy of manners, using sharp dialogue and comedic situations to critique societal norms while entertaining audiences.
4. Themes of deception, infidelity, and social climbing are prevalent in comedy of manners, revealing the superficiality of characters' relationships and societal values.
5. The emphasis on wit and clever repartee in these comedies not only entertains but also encourages audiences to reflect on their own social behaviors and moral choices.

Review Questions

• How does a comedy of manners utilize character types to reflect societal issues?
  • In a comedy of manners, character types like the fop, the cynical wit, and the manipulative woman serve to highlight societal issues related to class and morality. These stock characters embody traits that are exaggerated for comedic effect while revealing deeper truths about human behavior and social interactions. Their interactions often lead to humorous situations that critique social norms and expose hypocrisy within the upper classes.
• What are some key differences between Restoration comedy and Molière’s approach to comedy of manners?
  • Restoration comedy often features more explicit sexual themes and focuses heavily on courtship dynamics within English society, employing humor that pushes boundaries. In contrast, Molière’s comedies address moral shortcomings and social hypocrisy with a sharper satirical edge. While both share an interest in critiquing social norms through humor, Molière incorporates a more philosophical approach to character flaws, whereas Restoration comedy emphasizes witty dialogue and entertaining plots.
• Evaluate how the themes present in comedy of manners reflect broader cultural shifts during their respective periods.
  • The themes found in comedy of manners reveal significant cultural shifts as they engage with issues like class distinctions, gender roles, and changing views on marriage. During Restoration England, these plays reflected newfound freedoms after strict Puritan rule by exposing the frivolities of high society. Similarly, Molière's works mirrored the evolving attitudes toward morality and social behavior in 17th-century France. By addressing personal relationships against a backdrop of rigid social structures, these comedies encouraged audiences to question their own societal roles and behaviors amidst rapid cultural change.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy:

A style of comedy that flourished in England during the Restoration period (1660-1700), characterized by its emphasis on sexual intrigue, social satire, and the exploration of personal relationships among the upper class.

Satire: A literary technique used to criticize or mock societal norms, individuals, or institutions through humor, irony, or exaggeration.

Molière:

A French playwright known for his comedies that often addressed social issues, particularly through the lens of hypocrisy and moral flaws in society's elite.