Restoration Tragedy

Definition

Restoration tragedy refers to a genre of English drama that emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by serious themes, elevated language, and often tragic endings. This form of tragedy developed after the reopening of theatres in England following the Puritan ban and was heavily influenced by the return of Charles II, who brought with him ideas from French and Italian theatrical traditions. Restoration tragedy often focused on noble characters, complex moral dilemmas, and the exploration of human emotions and societal issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Restoration tragedies often featured larger-than-life characters who grappled with intense emotional and moral conflicts.
2. These plays were marked by elaborate language, heavy use of poetic forms, and intricate plots that reflected the complexities of human experience.
3. The influence of French dramatists like Racine and Corneille is evident in the structure and style of Restoration tragedies.
4. Major playwrights associated with this genre include John Dryden, Thomas Otway, and Nathaniel Lee, who each contributed unique perspectives to the form.
5. Restoration tragedy served as a reaction against the lighter comedies that also flourished during this period, aiming to elevate serious themes in contrast to the more frivolous entertainment.

Review Questions

• How did the reopening of theatres under Charles II influence the development of Restoration tragedy?
  • The reopening of theatres under Charles II marked a significant shift in English theatre, allowing for a revival of dramatic arts that had been suppressed during the Puritan rule. This environment encouraged playwrights to explore serious themes through Restoration tragedy, combining influences from French drama with traditional English storytelling. Charles II's patronage of the arts helped establish a new cultural landscape where elevated language and moral complexity became hallmarks of this tragic form.
• Analyze the key characteristics that distinguish Restoration tragedy from other dramatic forms present during the same period.
  • Restoration tragedy is distinguished by its serious tone, complex characters, and focus on moral dilemmas. Unlike contemporary comedies that often emphasized wit and humor, Restoration tragedies delved into emotional depth and societal issues. Additionally, these tragedies often incorporated elaborate poetic language and grand themes reminiscent of classical influences while still addressing the unique cultural context of post-Restoration England. This blend created a distinct dramatic experience that resonated with audiences seeking both entertainment and reflection on human nature.
• Evaluate the impact that Restoration tragedy had on later theatrical developments in English drama.
  • Restoration tragedy significantly influenced later theatrical developments by setting a precedent for dramatic structure and character complexity that would resonate throughout subsequent periods. The focus on elevated language and moral inquiry laid groundwork for future tragic forms and contributed to the evolution of realism in theatre. Furthermore, as playwrights began to explore deeper psychological landscapes in their characters, Restoration tragedy helped shift audience expectations towards more sophisticated narratives that would shape modern drama. This legacy can still be seen in contemporary theatre where serious themes continue to be explored through nuanced character studies.

Related terms

Charles II: The King of England who reigned from 1660 to 1685, known for restoring the monarchy and the flourishing of arts and culture during his reign.

Dramatic Unities: The classical principles of drama which suggest that a play should adhere to the unities of time, place, and action for greater dramatic effect.

Heroic Drama: A form of drama popular during the Restoration, featuring heroic characters and grand themes, often blending elements of tragedy and romance.