Richard Steele

Definition

Richard Steele was an influential Irish playwright and essayist, best known for his contributions to the development of sentimental comedy and the emergence of bourgeois drama in the early 18th century. He co-founded the periodical 'The Tatler' and played a crucial role in shaping modern English theatre by advocating for a drama that emphasized emotional engagement and moral messages, reflecting the values of the rising middle class.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Steele's play 'The Conscious Lovers' is considered a seminal work in sentimental comedy, showcasing the importance of virtue and genuine emotion in relationships.
2. He was a key figure in promoting the theatre as a platform for moral instruction and social commentary, influencing both playwrights and audiences.
3. Steele's collaboration with Joseph Addison led to the establishment of influential publications like 'The Tatler' and 'The Spectator', which helped shape public opinion during the 18th century.
4. His writing often reflected the ideals of the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason, individual morality, and the significance of personal feelings.
5. Steele's impact on theatre extended beyond his own works; he inspired future playwrights to incorporate sentimentality and ethical considerations into their dramas.

Review Questions

• How did Richard Steele's works contribute to the rise of sentimental comedy in 18th-century theatre?
  • Richard Steele's works significantly contributed to sentimental comedy by focusing on emotional depth and moral lessons within his plays. His most notable play, 'The Conscious Lovers', exemplifies this shift by portraying characters who embody virtue and engage in emotionally charged relationships. This emphasis on sentimentality resonated with audiences, particularly the rising middle class, who sought relatable characters and stories that reflected their values.
• Discuss Richard Steele's collaboration with Joseph Addison and its impact on English literature and theatre during their time.
  • Richard Steele's collaboration with Joseph Addison resulted in influential periodicals like 'The Tatler' and 'The Spectator', which played a critical role in shaping public discourse during the early 18th century. These publications not only entertained readers but also provided commentary on societal norms, including those pertaining to theatre. Their writings encouraged playwrights to consider the moral implications of their work, thereby advancing the development of bourgeois drama that focused on middle-class issues.
• Evaluate the significance of Richard Steele's legacy in terms of how it influenced future theatrical movements and playwrights beyond his era.
  • Richard Steele's legacy is significant as it laid the groundwork for future theatrical movements by promoting themes of emotional engagement and moral integrity within drama. His focus on middle-class values and relatable characters inspired later playwrights who sought to explore social issues through a sentimental lens. This influence is evident in various theatrical traditions that followed, including 19th-century melodrama, which similarly prioritized emotional storytelling and moral resolutions, demonstrating Steele's lasting impact on the evolution of English theatre.

Related terms

Sentimental Comedy: A genre of comedy that emphasizes emotional responses and moral lessons, often focusing on the virtues of middle-class characters and their triumphs over adversity.

Bourgeois Drama: A type of theatrical work that centers on the lives and struggles of middle-class characters, often highlighting their social issues, aspirations, and moral dilemmas.

The Spectator: A periodical co-founded by Steele and Addison that aimed to entertain and educate its readers through essays on contemporary society, culture, and morals.