Comedy of manners

Definition

A comedy of manners is a theatrical genre that satirizes the manners and affectations of a particular social class, often the upper class, through witty dialogue and clever situations. This form of comedy reflects societal norms and critiques social behaviors, especially around issues like love, marriage, and social status, making it an important part of the literary landscape during its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comedy of manners became popular in the Restoration period as theaters reopened after years of closure, reflecting the social changes following the monarchy's restoration.
2. The genre often highlights the contrast between appearance and reality, revealing the hypocrisy and pretensions of its characters.
3. Notable playwrights like William Congreve and George Etherege were central figures in developing this genre during the late 17th century.
4. The dialogue in comedies of manners is typically fast-paced and filled with wordplay, showcasing the cleverness of characters who navigate complex social situations.
5. While primarily focused on entertainment, these plays also serve as a critique of contemporary society, questioning traditional values and the nature of human relationships.

Review Questions

• How does comedy of manners reflect the social dynamics and values of its time?
  • Comedy of manners effectively mirrors the social dynamics of its era by focusing on the behaviors and values of the upper class. By highlighting themes such as love, marriage, and status through satire, these plays reveal societal expectations and contradictions. This reflection allows audiences to examine their own lives while critiquing the absurdities within their social structures.
• In what ways did the reopening of theaters influence the development of comedy of manners during the Restoration period?
  • The reopening of theaters during the Restoration period marked a significant cultural shift, allowing for new forms of expression in drama. As audiences flocked to see plays that addressed their experiences, comedy of manners flourished by providing relatable content filled with witty dialogue and social commentary. This environment encouraged playwrights to explore contemporary issues through humor, making these works both popular and influential.
• Evaluate the role of gender in comedy of manners and how it contributes to social critique within Restoration drama.
  • Gender plays a crucial role in comedy of manners, often revealing societal expectations placed upon men and women during the Restoration period. Female characters frequently navigate restrictive norms while displaying wit and intelligence that challenge traditional roles. This tension between gender expectations and individual desires serves as a vehicle for social critique, exposing the hypocrisy in societal attitudes towards love, marriage, and power dynamics between sexes.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A type of English comedy that emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by its focus on the lives and manners of the aristocracy, featuring themes of sexual intrigue and social satire.

Satire: A literary technique used to expose and criticize foolishness or corruption in individuals or society, often through humor, irony, or exaggeration.

Wit: A form of intelligent humor that involves the quick verbal exchange of ideas, often characterized by cleverness and sharpness.