Marriage

Definition

Marriage is a socially recognized union between individuals that establishes rights and obligations between them, often involving emotional, financial, and familial aspects. In the context of Restoration comedy, marriage serves as a central theme where it is often portrayed with humor and irony, highlighting societal expectations and the complexities of romantic relationships. It acts as both a plot device and a commentary on social norms of the time, showcasing the tension between individual desires and societal pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Restoration comedies, marriages are often depicted as transactional rather than romantic, emphasizing the social advantages of marrying well.
2. Many plays from this period feature characters who use wit and manipulation to navigate courtship and marriage, showcasing the battle of the sexes.
3. The concept of 'marriage of convenience' is frequently explored, where characters marry for social status or financial security rather than love.
4. Female characters often challenge traditional gender roles by asserting their agency in choosing their partners, reflecting changing attitudes towards marriage.
5. Restoration comedies reveal the hypocrisy of societal standards surrounding marriage, as characters frequently engage in affairs while upholding public appearances.

Review Questions

• How does Restoration comedy portray the institution of marriage, and what does this reveal about societal views at the time?
  • Restoration comedy presents marriage as a complex institution filled with both humor and critique. It often highlights marriages based on social status or financial gain rather than love, revealing how societal expectations shape personal relationships. The comedic lens allows playwrights to satirize the hypocrisy within these norms, showing how characters navigate the expectations placed upon them while seeking personal fulfillment.
• Discuss how courtship is represented in Restoration comedies and its relationship with the themes of marriage within these works.
  • Courtship in Restoration comedies is depicted as a strategic game where characters use wit and charm to win over their partners. This playful yet critical representation sheds light on the serious stakes involved in marriage decisions, where social class and reputation play crucial roles. The interplay between courtship and marriage in these plays emphasizes that romantic pursuits are often influenced by external pressures rather than genuine affection.
• Evaluate the impact of social satire on the representation of marriage in Restoration comedy and its relevance to contemporary views on relationships.
  • Social satire in Restoration comedy significantly impacts how marriage is portrayed, often highlighting the absurdities and contradictions inherent in societal expectations. By exposing the superficial motivations behind many marriages, these comedies encourage audiences to question traditional norms surrounding relationships. This critique remains relevant today as contemporary discussions around love, commitment, and personal choice continue to challenge outdated views on marriage and partnership dynamics.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A genre of English comedy that emerged in the late 17th century characterized by witty dialogue, sexual innuendos, and a focus on the lives of the upper class.

Courtship: The period during which romantic partners develop their relationship and consider marriage, often highlighted in plays as a process full of trials and misunderstandings.

Social Satire: A literary technique used to criticize or mock societal norms and behaviors, prevalent in Restoration comedy to highlight absurdities in marriage and relationships.