6.1 The rise of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy

The 18th century saw a shift in European theatre with the rise of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy. These genres reflected middle-class values, focusing on morality and everyday life. They challenged traditional theatrical norms and appealed to a growing audience.

Sentimental comedies featured virtuous characters and moral lessons, while domestic tragedies explored ordinary people's lives and moral failings. These genres were influenced by the Enlightenment, changing social values, and the growing middle class, shaping the future of European theatre.

Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy

Emergence and Popularity in 18th-Century European Theatre

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• Sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy emerged in the early to mid-18th century as a reaction against the artificiality and licentiousness of Restoration comedy
• The rise of the middle class and their values of morality, virtue, and sensibility influenced the development of these new genres
• Sentimental comedies, such as those by Richard Steele and Colley Cibber, featured virtuous characters, moral lessons, and happy endings that appealed to the growing middle-class audience
• Domestic tragedies, such as George Lillo's "The London Merchant" (1731), focused on the lives of ordinary people and the tragic consequences of their moral failings, departing from the aristocratic characters of traditional tragedy
• The popularity of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy reflected the changing tastes and values of 18th-century European society, which prioritized emotional engagement and moral instruction in the theatre

Factors Contributing to the Rise of Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy

• The growth of the middle class and their increasing influence on culture and society played a significant role in the popularity of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy
• The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, morality, and the importance of education contributed to the demand for plays that offered moral instruction and emotional appeal
• The rise of the novel, particularly the sentimental novel (e.g., Samuel Richardson's "Pamela"), influenced the development of these genres by prioritizing the exploration of emotions and the inner lives of characters
• Changes in theatre architecture and the expansion of theatre-going audiences, including more women and middle-class patrons, created a demand for plays that catered to their tastes and values
• The shift in philosophical and religious thought towards the importance of human emotions and the value of empathy also contributed to the appeal of these genres

Characteristics of Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy

Key Elements of Sentimental Comedy

• Sentimental comedies emphasized the virtues of benevolence, generosity, and empathy, often featuring characters who embodied these qualities and were rewarded for their goodness
• These plays frequently included scenes of emotional distress and tearful reconciliations, designed to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience
• Sentimental comedies often featured a central romantic plot, with the virtuous hero or heroine overcoming obstacles and achieving a happy ending (e.g., Richard Steele's "The Conscious Lovers")
• The characters in sentimental comedies were typically idealized representations of virtue and morality, serving as role models for the audience

Themes and Characteristics of Domestic Tragedy

• Domestic tragedies depicted the lives of middle-class or working-class characters, often focusing on the tragic consequences of moral transgressions or social injustice
• These plays explored themes such as the importance of virtue, the dangers of temptation, and the consequences of one's actions on family and society
• Domestic tragedies often featured protagonists who succumbed to their weaknesses or made poor moral choices, leading to their downfall (e.g., the merchant Barnwell in Lillo's "The London Merchant")
• These plays aimed to evoke sympathy and pity from the audience, encouraging them to reflect on their own moral choices and the potential consequences of their actions

Social and Cultural Factors for Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy

Influence of the Middle Class

• The growth of the middle class and their increasing influence on culture and society played a significant role in the popularity of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy
• Middle-class values, such as the importance of virtue, morality, and sensibility, shaped the content and themes of these genres
• The expanding middle-class audience sought plays that reflected their experiences and concerns, leading to the rise of domestic settings and relatable characters in sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy

Impact of the Enlightenment and Changing Philosophical Thought

• The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, morality, and the importance of education contributed to the demand for plays that offered moral instruction and emotional appeal
• Philosophers such as David Hume and Adam Smith stressed the importance of empathy and moral sentiments, influencing the development of these genres
• The shift in religious thought towards a more personal and emotional connection with the divine also contributed to the appeal of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy, which prioritized the exploration of human emotions and moral growth

Impact of Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy on Theatre

Challenging Theatrical Traditions

• Sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy challenged the prevailing aristocratic and heroic traditions in European theatre, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive theatrical forms
• These genres shifted the focus from the lives of the nobility to the experiences of middle-class and working-class characters, democratizing the subject matter of theatre
• The emphasis on emotional realism and the exploration of everyday life in these plays set the stage for the development of realism and naturalism in European theatre

Influencing Social Awareness and Future Dramatic Forms

• Sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy demonstrated the power of theatre to engage with social issues and influence public opinion, setting the stage for the development of social problem plays in the 19th century (e.g., Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House")
• The success of these genres encouraged playwrights to experiment with new dramatic forms and styles, leading to greater innovation and diversity in European theatre
• The popularity of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy also contributed to the professionalization of theatre, as playwrights, actors, and managers sought to cater to the growing demand for emotionally engaging and morally instructive entertainment