The Comedy of Manners Restoration Comedy Historical Background

The Comedy of Manners Restoration Comedy

Historical Background The Restoration Age When did the comedy spread? In 1660 the monarchy was restored. Charles II, he who went into exile, returned back home from Louis XXIV’s court in Versailles taking French culture. English society was influenced by it and became corrupted and more interest in entertainments than moral and social rules.

The Comedy What is it? Why was it created? Comedy is the way towards the society was criticized because of the looser moral standards of upper classes and the emancipation of women. It was based on a satirical observation of the social behaviour.

Features How was it organized and written? - It was written in prose. - It had the function to teach people “good manners” showing what were bad behaviours. - It was humorous and funny. - It was written using wit and play-words.

Main Themes What topics did the comedy dealt with? - Amorous conflicts of men and women. - Licentiousness, hypocrisy, double-dealing, moral weakness of aristocracy and new bourgeoisie in love and marriage.

Comedy Writers and their works What were the comedy writers and what did they write? - George Etherege - William Wycherley The Man of Mode The Country Wife The Plain Dealer - William Congreve The Way of the World

Giulia Bianchin Class IVA