Who started restoration comedy?
Among the many sub-genres of comedy is the comedy of manners, or restoration comedy, which originated in France with Molière’s “Les Precieuses Ridicules” (1658). Molière used this comic form to correct social absurdities.
How did restoration comedy start?
A kind of English comedy, usually in the form of the comedy of manners, that flourished during the Restoration period in England (i.e. from the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660 to about 1700), when actresses were first employed on the London stage.
When did restoration comedy start and when did it end?
Restoration comedy is the name given to English comedies written and performed in the Restoration period from 1660 to 1700. After public stage performances had been banned for 18 years by the Puritan regime, the re-opening of the theatres in 1660 signaled a rebirth of English drama.
How is the Restoration comedy best described?
Restoration comedies are English plays written and performed between 1660 and 1710, the “Restoration” period. Also known as “comedy of manners” plays, these works are known for their risqué, explicit depictions of sex and extramarital affairs.
Who is the father of comedy of manners?
Such was the case in ancient Greece when Menander (c. 342–c. 292 bc) inaugurated New Comedy, the forerunner of comedy of manners. Menander’s smooth style, elaborate plots, and stock characters were imitated by the Roman poets Plautus (c.
Who was the most influential playwright of the restoration?
Charles II may have been King of England, but John Dryden was King of Restoration literature. He is, by far, the most important literary figure of the period.
What was the title of the first really popular Restoration Comedy?
What was the title of the first really popular Restoration comedy? John Dryden, Marriage a la Mode. Probably the earliest of the great Restoration comedies, this play premiered in 1673 and was written by the first official Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom.
What is the 20th century comedy of manners?
In English literature, the term comedy of manners (also anti-sentimental comedy) describes a genre of realistic, satirical comedy of the Restoration period (1660–1710) that questions and comments upon the manners and social conventions of a greatly sophisticated, artificial society.
What is idea comedy?
A comedy of ideas is a term that is typically used to define plays that are characterized by series of debates which entail serious and humorous fashion, concepts and theories. The comedy of ideas falls into the high category of comics.
What was the restoration known for?
Restoration, Restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660. It marked the return of Charles II as king (1660–85) following the period of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth. The bishops were restored to Parliament, which established a strict Anglican orthodoxy.
How is Restoration comedy related to comedy of manners?
Restoration comedy. Comedy of manners is used as a synonym of Restoration comedy. After public stage performances had been banned for 18 years by the Puritan regime, the re-opening of the theatres in 1660 signalled a renaissance of English drama. Sexually explicit language was encouraged by King Charles II…
What kind of comedies were popular during the restoration?
There are three types of comedies that were popular during the Restoration. These three types are: Humour, Manners, and Intrigue. Comedies of Humour were made popular by the Renaissance playwright and poet Ben Jonson earlier in the century. These plays centralized around a specific character who had an overshadowing trait.
What kind of drama was there during the restoration?
Types of Restoration Drama During the time of the Restoration, 18th century drama was very critical. Much of the Elizabethan Play writers blended tragedy and comedy, whereas the Restoration dramatists chose to separate the two (Nettleton). The drama of this period can be broken into two categories, comedies and tragedies.
Why is Restoration comedy important to the Elizabethan era?
Restoration comedy tends to be overshadowed by the achievements of the Elizabethan era, but it merits our attention just the same. Although it may follow a prescribed set of conventions, within these rules it explores a range of challenging ideas that were highly topical in late 17th-century society.