Bourgeois tragedy

Definition

Bourgeois tragedy is a genre of drama that emerged in the early 18th century, focusing on the lives and struggles of the middle class rather than the nobility. This type of tragedy emphasizes moral dilemmas and personal conflicts, often highlighting themes such as social mobility, emotional suffering, and the consequences of choices made by ordinary people. It reflects a shift in societal values, showcasing the experiences of the bourgeoisie in a way that was relatable and impactful.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. George Lillo's play 'The London Merchant' is a quintessential example of bourgeois tragedy, showcasing the downfall of a middle-class character due to moral failings.
2. Bourgeois tragedy marked a departure from traditional aristocratic tragedy by making the protagonist's struggles more relatable to the average audience member.
3. This genre often explores themes like economic hardship, domestic strife, and moral choices, reflecting the complexities of middle-class life in an evolving society.
4. The rise of bourgeois tragedy coincided with the Enlightenment period, where individualism and human emotion became focal points in literature.
5. Bourgeois tragedies aimed to evoke empathy from audiences, emphasizing the shared human experience across social classes.

Review Questions

• How does bourgeois tragedy differ from traditional aristocratic tragedy in terms of themes and character focus?
  • Bourgeois tragedy differs significantly from traditional aristocratic tragedy by focusing on middle-class characters and their personal struggles rather than noble figures. While aristocratic tragedies often deal with grand themes like honor and political power, bourgeois tragedies center around relatable issues such as moral choices, social mobility, and emotional conflicts faced by ordinary people. This shift allows audiences to connect more deeply with the protagonists, reflecting the changing social landscape of the time.
• Discuss the impact of Enlightenment thinkers on the development of bourgeois tragedy as a literary genre.
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Isaac Newton influenced bourgeois tragedy by promoting ideas of individualism, reason, and human experience. These concepts encouraged writers to explore personal dilemmas faced by middle-class characters, making their stories relevant to contemporary audiences. The focus on rational thought and moral consequences in literature mirrored Enlightenment ideals, leading to narratives that examined societal norms and personal accountability within a changing world.
• Evaluate how George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' exemplifies the characteristics of bourgeois tragedy and its relevance in its historical context.
  • George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' exemplifies bourgeois tragedy through its portrayal of a middle-class protagonist whose downfall results from moral failings and societal pressures. The play highlights themes of personal responsibility and the harsh realities of urban life in early 18th-century England. By depicting a relatable character grappling with economic struggles and ethical choices, Lillo’s work resonates with audiences who were experiencing similar challenges during a time when class structures were evolving. This connection made 'The London Merchant' an important reflection of its era's socio-economic transformations.

Related terms

Melodrama: A dramatic work that emphasizes exaggerated emotions, sensational events, and strong moral dichotomies, often focusing on the struggles of everyday people.

Sentimentalism:

A literary movement that emphasizes emotion and individual feelings, often portraying characters in distress and seeking to evoke sympathy from the audience.

Social Commentary: The use of literature and drama to critique or analyze societal issues, norms, and values, often aiming to provoke thought and inspire change.