Restoration Comedy: Blackwell Essential Literature - A Literary Masterpiece

Restoration Comedy: Blackwell Essential Literature is a seminal work in the study of English literature, offering a comprehensive collection of Restoration-era plays that provide invaluable insights into the social, political, and cultural landscape of England during the late 17th century. This article delves into the historical context, key themes, literary devices, and enduring legacy of this important text, highlighting its significance as a literary masterpiece.

Restoration Comedy (Blackwell Essential Literature Book 6)

by Richard Wilhelm

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2962 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Historical Context

The Restoration period in English history (1660-1702) witnessed a profound social and cultural shift following the Puritan Commonwealth. The return of King Charles II marked a return to royalist rule, accompanied by a loosening of social norms and a resurgence of artistic expression. Restoration comedy emerged as a reflection of this newfound freedom, satirizing the excesses of the aristocracy and exploring themes of love, marriage, and social hierarchy.

Key Themes

Restoration Comedy revolves around several key themes:

• Love and Marriage: Relationships between men and women are often depicted as games of wit and manipulation, with characters using elaborate plots and disguises to achieve their romantic goals.
• Social Hierarchy: The plays highlight the strict social stratification of the time, with noblemen and gentlemen enjoying privileges denied to lower classes. Social mobility is often explored, as characters seek to rise or fall in the social ladder.
• Wit and Wordplay: Restoration comedies are renowned for their clever dialogue and wordplay, reflecting the sophisticated and intellectual atmosphere of the court. Characters engage in witty repartee and use language to outsmart their opponents.

Literary Devices

Restoration Comedy employs various literary devices to achieve its comedic effects:

• Satire: The plays often use satire to criticize social conventions and human folly. Characters are presented as exaggerated caricatures, highlighting their vices and weaknesses.
• Farce: Physical comedy and slapstick humor are frequently employed to create laughter, with characters engaging in ridiculous situations and improbable coincidences.
• The Comic Mask: Characters often adopt a "comic mask" to conceal their true identities and motives, adding to the playfulness and intrigue of the plot.

Enduring Legacy

Restoration Comedy: Blackwell Essential Literature continues to be a valuable resource for students and scholars of English literature. Its enduring legacy lies in:

• Historical Significance: The plays provide a vivid glimpse into the social and cultural attitudes of Restoration England, making them invaluable for historical research.
• Literary Influence: Restoration comedy influenced subsequent generations of writers, including Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw, who drew inspiration from its wit and satirical style.
• Educational Value: The Blackwell Essential Literature edition offers critical essays, annotations, and background information, making it an ideal text for teaching and studying Restoration comedy.

Restoration Comedy: Blackwell Essential Literature is an indispensable resource for understanding the literary, social, and cultural landscape of Restoration England. Its insightful analysis, engaging plays, and comprehensive notes make it an invaluable text for students, scholars, and general readers alike. As a masterpiece of Restoration literature, it continues to captivate and inform, providing a glimpse into the wit, satire, and social commentary that characterized this vibrant era in English history.

Image Alt Attributes:

Restoration Comedy (Blackwell Essential Literature Book 6)

by Richard Wilhelm

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2962 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE