6.3 Emergence of Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy

The 18th century saw a shift in theatrical tastes, with sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy gaining popularity. These genres reflected the values of the growing middle class, emphasizing moral lessons and emotional appeal in relatable settings.

Sentimental comedy focused on virtue rewarded, while domestic tragedy explored moral failings. Both used more natural language and stock characters to convey their messages. These new forms shaped public discourse on morality and social norms.

Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy

Origins and Development

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• Sentimental comedy emerged in early 18th century as reaction to bawdy Restoration comedies
  • Emphasized moral lessons and emotional appeal
  • Richard Steele's "The Conscious Lovers" (1722) set standard for genre
• Domestic tragedy evolved from earlier tragedy forms
  • Focused on struggles of middle-class characters
  • George Lillo's "The London Merchant" (1731) influenced subsequent playwrights (England and Europe)
• Both genres gained prominence in mid-18th century
  • Playwrights like Hugh Kelly and Edward Moore contributed to development
• Rise coincided with growing middle-class audience and Enlightenment era values
  • Reflected changing social dynamics and cultural shifts

Key Characteristics

• Sentimental comedy centered on virtue rewarded
• Domestic tragedy explored consequences of moral failings or societal pressures
• Both genres emphasized emotional appeal and moral instruction
  • Domestic tragedy tended to have more severe consequences for characters
• Language more naturalistic compared to earlier dramatic forms
  • Reflected everyday speech of middle class
• Incorporated elements of social criticism
  • Domestic tragedy typically more explicit in societal critique
• Stock characters developed for each genre
  • Sentimental comedy (virtuous hero/heroine, reformed rake, wise mentor)
  • Domestic tragedy (fallen protagonist, temptress, voice of reason)

Themes and Conventions of Sentimental Comedy vs Domestic Tragedy

Plot Structures and Character Dynamics

• Sentimental comedy featured romantic plots with obstacles to overcome
  • Often included misunderstandings, secret identities, or parental opposition
• Domestic tragedy centered on family conflicts or financial struggles
  • Explored themes of temptation, corruption, and downfall
• Both genres emphasized character development and moral growth
  • Sentimental comedy characters often reformed or revealed true virtuous nature
  • Domestic tragedy protagonists faced moral dilemmas and consequences
• Use of dramatic irony to heighten emotional impact
  • Audience often aware of information unknown to characters
• Incorporation of subplots to reinforce main themes
  • Secondary characters often mirrored or contrasted with protagonists

Moral and Emotional Elements

• Both genres aimed to evoke strong emotional responses from audience
  • Sentimental comedy elicited tears of joy and sympathy
  • Domestic tragedy provoked pity and fear
• Emphasis on moral dilemmas and ethical choices
  • Characters faced conflicts between duty and desire
• Use of soliloquies and asides to reveal inner thoughts and feelings
  • Allowed for deeper exploration of characters' motivations
• Incorporation of sentimental scenes and tableaux
  • Emotional highpoints designed to move audience (deathbed confessions, reunions)
• Exploration of themes like forgiveness, redemption, and justice
  • Often tied to broader social and moral messages

Audience Tastes for Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy

Cultural and Social Factors

• Rising middle class sought entertainment reflecting their values and experiences
  • Demanded more relatable characters and situations
• Enlightenment ideals influenced audience expectations
  • Valued drama that could educate and entertain simultaneously
• Concept of sensibility gained importance in 18th-century culture
  • Emphasized emotional responsiveness and moral sentiment
• Growing literacy rates and expanding print culture contributed to changing tastes
  • Readers sought similar themes and styles in theatrical productions
• Influence of novels (particularly Samuel Richardson) on dramatic forms
  • Increased focus on psychological realism and domestic settings
• Public backlash against perceived immorality of Restoration comedy
  • Created demand for more "respectable" theatrical entertainment

Theatrical and Literary Trends

• Shift away from classical and heroic subjects towards contemporary issues
  • Audiences connected with stories reflecting their own lives and concerns
• Increased interest in realistic portrayals of everyday life
  • Domestic settings and middle-class characters gained prominence
• Growing appreciation for emotional depth and complexity in characters
  • Moved beyond stock types to more nuanced portrayals
• Desire for moral instruction through entertainment
  • Plays expected to impart valuable life lessons and reinforce social values
• Influence of periodicals and essays on public discourse
  • Shaped expectations for social commentary in dramatic works
• Rise of actor-managers who catered to popular tastes
  • Produced plays that appealed to middle-class sensibilities and values

Social and Moral Implications of Sentimental Comedy and Domestic Tragedy

Cultural Impact and Values

• Promoted middle-class values and virtues
  • Reinforced ideas of social mobility through moral behavior
• Addressed contemporary social issues
  • Explored themes like marriage, family dynamics, economic pressures
• Challenged traditional class distinctions in drama
  • Presented middle-class characters as worthy subjects of serious theatrical treatment
• Shaped public discourse on morality and social norms
  • Served as form of cultural education for audiences
• Reflected and reinforced emerging capitalist ideologies
  • Emphasized individual virtue and personal responsibility
• Contributed to development of melodrama and social realism in 19th-century theater
  • Influenced evolution of modern drama

Critical Reception and Debates

• Critics argued excessive sentimentality could lead to emotional manipulation
  • Questioned effectiveness of genuine moral instruction
• Debates over appropriate balance between entertainment and didacticism
  • Some praised educational value, others criticized heavy-handed moralizing
• Discussions on representation of social issues in drama
  • Questions of accuracy and potential for inspiring social change
• Concerns about potential negative effects on audience sensibilities
  • Fears of encouraging oversensitivity or unrealistic expectations
• Examination of gender roles and family dynamics portrayed in plays
  • Reflected and sometimes challenged societal norms
• Analysis of plays' treatment of economic themes and class mobility
  • Considered implications for social stability and aspirations