Restoration Drama: Comedy of Manners

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason given for the unconvincing marriage of the young couple in the final act?

  • They were influenced by societal norms.
  • Their love was overshadowed by financial motives. (correct)
  • They were forced into the marriage by their parents.
  • They had an arrangement for a love match.

Which theme is NOT associated with the comedy of manners as mentioned in the content?

  • Wit and humor
  • Idealistic romances (correct)
  • Immorality and corruption
  • Gossip and schemes

What do the names of characters symbolize in the comedy of manners?

  • Their social connections
  • Traits or attributes related to the characters (correct)
  • Their financial status
  • Historical significance

In the context provided, what does the 'coul of King Charles II' suggest about that period?

<p>It was marked by immorality and corruption. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What element is considered a common feature of comedy of manners?

<p>Disguise and deception (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines drama as a literary genre?

<p>It is designed to be performed on a stage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates comedy from tragedy in drama?

<p>Comedy aims to make the audience laugh. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the comedy of manners?

<p>It satirizes the behaviors of the upper-class. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which historical context influenced the Restoration Drama?

<p>The return of King Charles II after the Civil War. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theme is NOT commonly discussed in the comedy of manners?

<p>The glorification of rural life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common structural element of comedy of manners plays?

<p>They are divided into five acts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal aspect is primarily critiqued in the comedy of manners?

<p>The excessive lifestyle of aristocrats. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In comedy of manners, the lovers depicted often represent which of the following?

<p>Financial incentives and social benefits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Drama

A literary genre designed for performance on stage, featuring dialogue, characters, setting, and props. It often includes comedic or tragic elements.

Comedy of Manners

A type of dramatic comedy that satirizes the manners, morals, and behaviors of the upper class.

Restoration Drama

A historical period in English drama (1660-1710) characterized by the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II after the English Civil War.

Satire of Society

A style in Restoration comedies that focuses on satirical social commentary and criticises the upper class by mocking their behavior and values.

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Critical Attitude towards Marriage

A central theme within Restoration comedies, exploring the superficiality and materialism that motivated marriage choices during that era.

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Boredom of Country Life

A theme in Restoration comedies that satirizes the perceived boredom of the upper class in their country estates, contrasting with the vibrant city life.

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Attack on Aristocratic Sophistication

A theme in Restoration comedies where writers critique the excessive lifestyle and extravagance of the nobility.

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Two Outwardly Lovers

A convention in Restoration comedies where the first four acts often revolve around two couples, not all of them genuine lovers, creating confusion and comedic situations.

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Marriage for Money

The practice of marrying for financial gain or social status instead of love, prevalent during the Restoration period, as depicted in comedies of manners.

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Symbolic Character Names

Restoration comedies often feature characters with names that hint at their personality or fate, adding a layer of symbolism.

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Wit and Immorality

A defining characteristic of Restoration comedies is their emphasis on witty wordplay and clever humor, often intertwined with immorality and social satire.

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Gossip, Schemes, and Disguise

Restoration comedies frequently involve elaborate schemes, rumors, and disguises, creating comedic situations and unraveling hidden truths.

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Social Commentary in Comedy of Manners

A prevalent theme in Restoration comedies is the critical examination of the moral and social decay within the upper class, especially regarding their views on love and marriage.

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Study Notes

Restoration Drama: Comedy of Manners

  • Drama Definition: A literary genre designed for performance on stage, primarily using dialogue. Plays feature characters, settings, props, and explore themes like comedy and tragedy.
  • Comedy vs. Tragedy: Comedy focuses on humorous, silly subjects to elicit laughter, while tragedy explores serious, dangerous topics and often features tragic heroes and downfalls.
  • Comedy of Manners: A prominent form of Restoration drama (1660-1710) that satirizes the manners and behaviors of the upper class. It exposes their social customs and behaviors.
  • Restoration Period Context: Refers to the period after the execution of Charles I and the return of Charles II to the throne following the English Civil War. This period was a reaction against the puritanical restrictions of the previous era.
  • Comedy of Manners Themes:
  • Satire: Criticizes the vanity, morals, and social norms of the aristocracy.
  • Marriage and Materialism: Examines arranged marriages driven by financial or social gain rather than love.
  • Country Life vs. Court Life: Contrasts the boredom or unsophistication of rural life with the alluring, but often immoral, lifestyle of the court.
  • Aristocratic Excess: Critiques the excessive lifestyles and behaviors of the aristocracy.
  • Plot Structure: Comedy of manners plays typically follow a 5-act structure, often featuring the same storyline in the first 4 acts and a superficial romantic resolution in the 5th that is unconvincing due to financial or social motivations.
  • Key Elements:
  • Impossibility of True Love: Focuses on arranged marriages and social motivations behind relationships, disregarding genuine love. This is often tied to the immorality of the court and the pursuit of personal gain.
  • Wit and Immorality: Wit (cleverness and humor) is vital to the comedy and is often intertwined with the immorality and debauchery of the court.
  • Plot Devices: Gossip, schemes, rumors, and disguises are common plot tools.
  • Character Names: Names are used symbolically or to have a suggestion about the character's nature.

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