The Way of the World as a Restoration Comedy Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How did men approach marriage in the Restoration society, as reflected in The Way of the World?

Men married for material gain, without caring much for love or sex.

What is the nature of the love affair between Mirabell and Millamant in the play?

It is a sort of pact rather than an emotional engagement.

What is the prevailing atmosphere of the night life in the Restoration, as referred to in the play?

A kind of 'nocturnal debauch'.

What does the play The Way of the World expose about the social life of the upper strata in Restoration England?

The exact picture of the social life of the people, especially those who belonged to the upper strata, with brutality and ruthlessness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the playwright's use of satire in The Way of the World?

To instruct while delighting. Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall moral climate of the Restoration society, as portrayed in the play?

Immoral. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the heroes and heroines in Restoration comedies?

Witty and clever Signup and view all the answers

How did King Charles II contribute to the scientific thought and enquiry of the age?

He founded The Royal Society Signup and view all the answers

What was a common attribute of the Restoration age?

Experimentation Signup and view all the answers

How did the moral standards of the Restoration society compare to those of previous eras?

Morality had gone to the winds Signup and view all the answers

How did men view themselves and their relationships with women during the Restoration period?

Men saw themselves as 'licentious animals' and pursued mistresses by any means Signup and view all the answers

What was a reflection of the social divide between city and village life during the Restoration period?

The growing divide between the city life and the village life Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of characterization in a literary text, and how does it vary from writer to writer?

The primary concern of characterization is to create or present characters with characteristic attributes like appearance, attitude, perspectives, and interactions. It varies from writer to writer based on their observation, presentation, and intentions behind character creation. Signup and view all the answers

How do characters in a play or novel change or remain stable throughout the narrative, and what terms are used to describe these characters?

Characters may remain 'essentially stable' or undergo 'a radical change' due to circumstances. They are labeled as 'types/flat characters' if they remain unchanged, or 'individuals/round characters' if they undergo changes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is consistency or integrity of a character important in a literary text, and what does it add to the narrative?

Consistency or integrity of a character is important to add credibility to the creation of characters and make them believable to readers. Signup and view all the answers

How do authors use characterization to comment on social issues and morality in Restoration Comedy, and what is the significance of this technique?

Authors use characterization to comment on social issues and morality by creating characters that embody specific traits or values, allowing them to critique or satirize societal norms. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do characters in Restoration Comedy reflect or challenge the gender roles and social norms of 18th century society?

Characters in Restoration Comedy reflect or challenge gender roles and social norms by embodying or defying expectations, often through their dialogue, behavior, and interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What role does characterization play in conveying moral and ethical messages in Restoration Comedy, and how does it influence the audience's perception of the narrative?

Characterization plays a crucial role in conveying moral and ethical messages by creating characters that embody or reject certain values, influencing the audience's perception of the narrative and its themes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Restoration Society

The society was immoral, with marriages driven by material gain rather than love or emotional connection.
The bonding between couples was based on targeted goals rather than mutual love or trust.
The moral structure of the society was corrupted by individuals seeking material benefits.

The Way of the World as a Comedy of Manners

The play is a brilliant exposition of the manners and morals of Restoration England.
The playwright uses satire to comment on the society while delighting the audience.
The play portrays the social life of the upper strata with brutality and ruthlessness.

Morality and Ethics

Morality in the society had deteriorated, with people having no notion of ethics in matters of sex.
The King's own behavior as a rake contributed to the lax moral standards.
The age was characterized by an atmosphere of experimentation, with people justifying social vices as part of this spirit.

Characterization in The Way of the World

Characterization refers to the art of creating characters with characteristic attributes like appearance, attitude, and perspectives.
Characters can be interpreted by the reader through their dialogue, actions, and moral, intellectual, and emotional qualities.
Characters can be classified as 'types/flat characters' or 'individuals/round characters' based on whether they remain consistent or undergo changes throughout the story.

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Description

This quiz explores the moral decay of the Restoration society as depicted in The Way of the World, a play that portrays marriages based on material gain rather than love or trust.

The Restoration Society in The Way of the World