🎭Dramaturgy Unit 6 – Restoration & 18th Century Comedy

Historical Context

• Restoration period began in 1660 with the restoration of the British monarchy under King Charles II following the Interregnum period
• Charles II's court was known for its libertine atmosphere, which influenced the comedic plays of the era
• Rise of the middle class and increased literacy rates led to a growing demand for entertainment, including theater
• Theaters reopened after being closed during the Puritan rule, leading to a resurgence in dramatic productions
• Women were allowed to perform on stage for the first time in England, changing the dynamics of theatrical performances
• Political and social satire became more prevalent in comedic plays, reflecting the changing attitudes of the time
• The Glorious Revolution of 1688 brought about a shift in power and a more stable political environment, which influenced the themes of later Restoration comedies

Key Playwrights and Works

• William Wycherley (The Country Wife, The Plain Dealer) known for his biting social satire and critique of marriage and relationships
• George Etherege (The Man of Mode, She Would If She Could) celebrated for his witty dialogue and portrayal of fashionable society
• Aphra Behn (The Rover, The Feigned Courtesans) first professional female playwright in England, known for her strong female characters and exploration of gender roles
• John Dryden (Marriage à la Mode, All for Love) influential in shaping the comedic style of the period and known for his use of heroic couplets
  • Also a prominent critic and theorist who wrote extensively on dramatic theory and criticism
• William Congreve (The Way of the World, Love for Love) master of the comedy of manners, known for his intricate plots and clever wordplay
• George Farquhar (The Beaux' Stratagem, The Recruiting Officer) known for his lively, fast-paced comedies and incorporation of elements from other genres, such as the comedy of intrigue

Theatrical Conventions

• Comedy of manners focused on the fashionable society, their behavior, and social norms
• Plays often featured witty, fast-paced dialogue and repartee, showcasing the characters' verbal dexterity
• Plots frequently revolved around love, courtship, and marriage, often with a satirical or cynical tone
• Mistaken identities, disguises, and deception were common plot devices used to create comedic situations
• Plays were typically set in contemporary London, reflecting the fashionable life of the upper classes
• Prologues and epilogues were often used to address the audience directly and comment on current events or social issues
• Asides and soliloquies allowed characters to share their thoughts and feelings with the audience, adding to the comedic effect

Themes and Social Commentary

• Marriage and relationships were central themes, often portrayed as business transactions or games of manipulation
• Sexual politics and the battle of the sexes were frequently explored, with characters engaging in witty exchanges and power struggles
• Social class and the rise of the middle class were addressed, often through the contrast between town and country life
• The concept of libertinism, or the pursuit of pleasure and disregard for social norms, was a recurring theme
  • Libertine characters, such as the "rake" or "fop," were often central figures in Restoration comedies
• Hypocrisy and the discrepancy between public persona and private behavior were satirized and exposed
• The role of women in society and their limited options for independence and self-determination were examined
• Political commentary and satire were woven into the plays, reflecting the changing political landscape of the time

Character Types and Stock Characters

• The rake, a witty, charming, and sexually promiscuous male character, often the protagonist or antihero (Dorimant in The Man of Mode)
• The fop, an overly fashionable, effeminate, and often foolish male character, used for comedic relief (Sir Fopling Flutter in The Man of Mode)
• The virtuous heroine, a young, intelligent, and independent female character who often challenges societal norms (Millamant in The Way of the World)
• The jealous husband or aging rake, an older male character who is often the target of ridicule and cuckoldry (Pinchwife in The Country Wife)
• The country bumpkin, a naive, unsophisticated character from the countryside who is often contrasted with the fashionable London society (Harcourt in The Country Wife)
• The witty servant, a clever and resourceful lower-class character who often aids in the schemes of the protagonists (Waitwell in The Way of the World)
• The amorous widow, an older female character who actively pursues younger men and challenges societal expectations of female behavior (Lady Wishfort in The Way of the World)

Language and Wit

• Dialogue was characterized by witty repartee, puns, and double entendres, showcasing the characters' intelligence and verbal dexterity
• Plays often featured long, elaborate speeches and soliloquies, allowing characters to express their thoughts and feelings in a poetic and rhetorical manner
• The use of heroic couplets, rhyming pairs of iambic pentameter lines, was common, particularly in the works of John Dryden
• Metaphors, similes, and other literary devices were employed to create vivid imagery and convey complex ideas
• Characters often engaged in battles of wit, trying to outwit and outdo each other in verbal exchanges
• The language was often sexually suggestive and filled with innuendo, reflecting the libertine atmosphere of the time
• Satirical references to contemporary events, people, and social norms were woven into the dialogue, adding to the plays' comedic and critical edge

Staging and Performance Practices

• Proscenium arch stage became the standard, creating a clear separation between the audience and the performers
• Elaborate scenery and set designs were used to create a realistic and detailed representation of the play's setting
• Perspective scenery, painted backdrops that created the illusion of depth, became popular
• Changeable scenery, allowing for quick scene changes, was introduced, enabling more complex and varied storytelling
• Lighting was provided by chandeliers and candles, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere
• Costumes were elaborate and fashionable, reflecting the contemporary styles of the upper classes
• Actors and actresses developed a more naturalistic acting style, moving away from the stylized performances of earlier eras
  • This shift was influenced by the emphasis on wit and repartee in the plays, which required a more conversational delivery

Legacy and Influence

• Restoration comedy had a lasting impact on English literature and theater, setting the stage for the development of the comedy of manners in the 18th century
• The works of Restoration playwrights continued to be performed and adapted throughout the 18th and 19th centuries
• The witty, satirical style of Restoration comedy influenced later playwrights, such as Richard Brinsley Sheridan (The School for Scandal) and Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest)
• Restoration comedy's focus on social satire and critique of societal norms paved the way for the development of the novel as a form of social commentary in the 18th century
• The plays' exploration of gender roles and sexual politics influenced later discussions of women's rights and equality
• The stock characters and character types established in Restoration comedy continued to be used and adapted in later theatrical traditions, such as commedia dell'arte and melodrama
• Restoration comedy's legacy can be seen in modern-day romantic comedies, sitcoms, and other forms of entertainment that focus on wit, social satire, and the battle of the sexes