In six pages this paper discusses the comedies of wit and stereotypes that characterized the English 'restoration' of the seventeenth century with works of Vanbrugh, Congreve, Wycherly, and Etherege among those considered. One source is cited in the bibliography.
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RESTORATION COMEDIES Introduction After the Puritanism of Cromwell, the English "restored" Charles II to the throne (1640), who in turn restored theater to the English. These
comedies mocked the manners of the aristocracy using witty dialogue, wicked humor and transparent stereotypes. The works of Etherege, Wycherley, Congreve, and Vanbrugh are discussed. Note to the student
-only one source is listed in Bibliography -if you need more , use the plays and authors - they are all dated. History
Often knowing the history of a piece of art, or the events that were happening in the historical period, when it was created add to the appreciation of the piece.
That certainly may apply in the genre of theater known as "restoration comedy." The temptation is to say, what -they restored comedy in seventeenth century England? Yes
actually they did. Before 1642, England was a true monarchy. Oliver Cromwell morally led the Puritan Revolution against the crown; beheaded the
current king, Charles I; took over the leadership of the country and declared it a commonwealth. Obviously Cromwell was a very busy man, yet still managed to control public
entertainment. This particular period of English history (1642-1660) had been called the Interregnum." Morality was closely monitored; and the theater was banned as non-supportive of Puritan values. Charles
II, son of Charles I had been spirited away to France, (and lived at the court of Louis IVX) but in 1660 was "restored" to the throne. When he
returned to the court he brought his love of theater with him. Also as the pendulum of history swings, from one attitude to another, what had been repressed, as