Repartee

Definition

Repartee is a form of witty, quick, and often humorous conversation or exchange of remarks. This lively back-and-forth dialogue became a notable feature in dramatic works, particularly during periods when theaters reopened and new conventions emerged. The sharpness of repartee reflects the characters' intellect and social dynamics, enhancing the audience's engagement and enjoyment of the performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Repartee often serves as a way for characters to showcase their intelligence and social status, making it a vital tool for character development.
2. The use of repartee was particularly popular in comedic plays and farces, where timing and delivery could elicit laughter from audiences.
3. As theaters reopened after periods of closure, playwrights began experimenting with repartee to keep audiences engaged with rapid exchanges that felt fresh and lively.
4. The emergence of the Restoration period in England saw a surge in plays featuring repartee, emphasizing the wit and sophistication of the characters involved.
5. Repartee can reveal underlying tensions between characters, showcasing both camaraderie and conflict through cleverly crafted dialogue.

Review Questions

• How does repartee enhance character development in plays from the period following the reopening of theaters?
  • Repartee enhances character development by allowing characters to express their wit, intellect, and social dynamics through quick exchanges. This clever dialogue reveals their personalities, motivations, and relationships with one another. In comedies and dramas of this era, characters who engage in repartee often display confidence and sophistication, making them more relatable and engaging to audiences.
• In what ways did the incorporation of repartee impact the overall tone and style of theatrical performances during this time?
  • The incorporation of repartee significantly impacted the tone and style of theatrical performances by infusing them with energy and humor. Quick-witted exchanges created a lively atmosphere that drew audiences in and kept them entertained. This focus on sharp dialogue marked a shift toward more sophisticated storytelling techniques, where humor became a key element in building rapport between characters while also addressing deeper social themes.
• Evaluate the significance of repartee in reflecting societal norms and relationships during the era of renewed theatrical expression.
  • Repartee serves as a significant reflection of societal norms and relationships by illustrating how wit was valued as a form of social currency among the upper classes. It showcases the intelligence and quick-thinking required to navigate complex social interactions. Furthermore, the nature of repartee often highlights power dynamics, revealing conflicts or alliances among characters while addressing broader themes such as gender roles, class distinctions, and societal expectations during a transformative period in theater history.

Related terms

Wit:

A form of intelligent humor that involves the clever use of language to evoke amusement or insight.

Dialogue: The spoken exchanges between characters in a literary work, crucial for developing character relationships and advancing the plot.

Dramatic Irony:

A literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters, often leading to heightened tension and humor.