The Comedy of Manners

Restoration Comedy

Historical Background

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.

When did the comedy spread?

The Restoration Age

The Comedy

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.

What is it? Why was it created?

Features

- 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.

How was it organized and written?

Main Themes

- Amorous conflicts of men and women.

- Licentiousness, hypocrisy, double-dealing,

moral weakness of aristocracy and new

bourgeoisie in love and marriage.

What topics did the comedy dealt with?

Comedy Writers and their works

- George Etherege The Man of Mode

- William Wycherley The Country Wife

The Plain Dealer

- William Congreve The Way of the World

What were the comedy writers and what did they write?

Giulia Bianchin

Class IVA