Restoration Comedy

Restoration Comedy refers to the type of English comedy that flourished during the Restoration period (1660–1710). After the Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell (1649–1660), when theatre was banned, King Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 and reopened the theatres. This period marked a new era in English drama, known for its witty dialogues, satire, and lively characters.

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Characteristics of Restoration Comedy

1. Wit and Satire – Restoration comedies were known for their sharp humor and clever wordplay, often mocking the hypocrisy of society.
2. Sexual Themes and Intrigue – These plays openly explored love, marriage, infidelity, and social scandals.
3. Comedy of Manners – They portrayed the lifestyle of the upper class, exposing their vanity, greed, and double standards.
4. Stock Characters – Many plays featured recurring character types, such as:
• The Fop – A foolish, fashionable man obsessed with appearance.
• The Rake – A charming but morally loose young man.
• The Cuckold – A deceived husband.
• The Coquette – A flirtatious woman.
5. Role of Women – For the first time, women were allowed to act on stage, replacing the earlier tradition where men played female roles. This led to the rise of famous actresses like Nell Gwyn.

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Major Playwrights and Their Works

1. William Congreve (1670–1729) – The Master of Comedy of Manners

Congreve refined Restoration Comedy with more sophistication and wit. His plays are considered some of the finest of the period.

• Major Works:
• The Way of the World (1700) – A comedy of manners featuring witty dialogue and complex relationships.
• Love for Love (1695) – A play exploring deception and love among the upper class.

2. George Etherege (1636–1692) – The Pioneer of the Comedy of Manners

Etherege introduced the elegant and witty tone of Restoration Comedy.

• Major Works:
• The Man of Mode (1676) – A play satirizing London’s fashionable elite, featuring the famous rake, Dorimant.

3. William Wycherley (1641–1716) – The Critic of Hypocrisy

Wycherley’s plays exposed the moral corruption and hypocrisy of high society.

• Major Works:
• The Country Wife (1675) – A scandalous comedy about deception and infidelity.
• The Plain Dealer (1676) – A satire on dishonesty in society.

4. Aphra Behn (1640–1689) – The First Professional Woman Playwright

Behn was one of the first female writers to make a living through her plays, challenging male-dominated literature.

• Major Works:
• The Rover (1677) – A romantic comedy about English cavaliers in Spain.
• The Emperor of the Moon (1687) – A farcical play mocking scientific discoveries.

5. Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726) – The Architect of Farce and Comedy

Vanbrugh combined wit with exaggerated humor and farce.

• Major Works:
• The Relapse (1696) – A sequel to an earlier play, filled with mistaken identities and deceptions.
• The Provoked Wife (1697) – A social comedy criticizing unhappy marriages.

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Decline of Restoration Comedy

By the early 18th century, society grew more conservative, and Restoration Comedy faced criticism for being too immoral. Writers like Richard Steele and later, Oliver Goldsmith and Richard Sheridan, moved towards more sentimental and moralistic comedies.

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Significance of Restoration Comedy

1. Development of Comedy of Manners – It laid the foundation for later satirical works in the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. Freedom of Expression – It broke away from strict Puritan values and explored real human relationships.
3. Rise of Female Playwrights and Actresses – Women gained a significant role in theatre, both on and off stage.
4. Influence on Modern Comedy – Restoration Comedy’s wit and humor influenced later playwrights like Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.

Restoration Comedy remains an essential part of English literature, reflecting the vibrant and extravagant lifestyle of the 17th century. It continues to be studied and performed for its wit, satire, and lively characters.