Restoration Comedy

Definition

Restoration Comedy refers to a genre of English theatrical comedy that emerged in the late 17th century, specifically after the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660. This style of comedy is characterized by its witty dialogue, satirical social commentary, and often risqué themes that reflect the changing morals and attitudes of the time. Restoration Comedies are known for their focus on the complexities of love and relationships, as well as the exploration of class and gender dynamics within society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Restoration Comedy often featured strong female characters who challenged traditional gender roles and displayed a high degree of independence and wit.
2. The language used in these comedies was marked by clever wordplay and puns, which contributed to the overall comedic effect and social critique.
3. Notable playwrights of Restoration Comedy include George Etherege, William Wycherley, and Aphra Behn, who brought diverse perspectives to the genre.
4. These plays frequently included stock characters such as the fop, the rake, and the coquette, each serving to highlight various societal traits and follies.
5. The popularity of Restoration Comedy waned by the end of the 18th century, giving way to more sentimental forms of theatre that focused on moral lessons rather than social satire.

Review Questions

• How did Restoration Comedy reflect the societal changes in England during the late 17th century?
  • Restoration Comedy mirrored the societal changes following the return of Charles II by highlighting shifting morals, increased sexual openness, and challenges to traditional gender roles. The comedies often satirized the behavior of the aristocracy and explored themes like love, class distinctions, and personal freedom. This reflection was significant as it marked a departure from previous dramatic conventions during the Puritan rule, embracing a more liberated artistic expression that resonated with audiences at the time.
• In what ways did playwrights of Restoration Comedy innovate theatrical conventions compared to earlier forms of drama?
  • Playwrights of Restoration Comedy innovated theatrical conventions by introducing more sophisticated character development and intricate plots that emphasized wit and humor. They broke away from rigid moralistic narratives prevalent in earlier forms, opting instead for narratives that celebrated human flaws and complexities. The use of clever dialogue filled with double entendres became a hallmark, transforming how audiences engaged with characters and themes on stage.
• Evaluate the impact of Restoration Comedy on modern comedic forms in theatre and film.
  • Restoration Comedy laid important groundwork for modern comedic forms by establishing elements like sharp dialogue, social satire, and complex character relationships that are still prominent today. Its influence is seen in contemporary works that explore similar themes such as romantic entanglements and societal norms. By paving the way for genres like comedy of manners and situational comedy, Restoration Comedies have continued to resonate through centuries, showing how humor can critique society while entertaining audiences.

Related terms

Charles II: The king who was restored to the English throne in 1660 after the Interregnum, his reign marked a resurgence of arts and culture in England, including theatre.

Comedy of Manners: A subgenre of Restoration Comedy that satirizes the manners and affectations of contemporary society, focusing on the behaviors of the upper class.

Heroic Drama: A theatrical genre that contrasts with Restoration Comedy, characterized by its serious tone and grand themes of heroism and moral conflict.