Why is the way of the world considered to be a comedy of manners?
The Way of the World has all the important characteristics of the comedy of manners. The aim of this comedy is to show the manners of the upper ranks of contemporary society. It satirically presents the aristocratic London society. The purpose is to hit at the follies and foibles of people.
Is the way of the world a comedy of manners?
‘The Way of the World’ is a seamless illustration of comedy of manners written in Restoration period by William Congreve. The play is considered by critics as a pure comedy of manners and William Congreve as the finest writer of comedy of manners.
What are the features of comedy of manners?
The manners which the Comedy of Manners shows were not the manners of all the classes of Restoration Society; they were rather the manners of the upper class only. This genre is characterized by realism (art), social analysis and satire. These comedies held a mirror to the finer society of their age.
What is comedy of manners with examples?
comedy of manners, witty, cerebral form of dramatic comedy that depicts and often satirizes the manners and affectations of a contemporary society. A comedy of manners is concerned with social usage and the question of whether or not characters meet certain social standards.
Which style was also known as the comedy of manners?
In English literature, the term comedy of manners (also anti-sentimental comedy) describes a genre of realistic, satirical comedy of the Restoration period (1660–1710) that questions and comments upon the manners and social conventions of a greatly sophisticated, artificial society.
What are the features of comedy of manners genre?
Characteristics of Comedy of Manners ✒️ Stock characters such as fops, country bumpkins, elegant young ladies, and older persons attempting to recapture their youth. ✒️ The presence of at least one pair of very intelligent young lovers. ✒️ Gossips and Romantic intrigues.
What is the conclusion of The Way of the World?
Representing both the pinnacle and the conclusion of Restoration drama, The Way of the World epitomizes the psychology of manner – the way people behave (hence the title.) Motive is assumed to be the same for all: to get sex, to get money, and to remain young.
What were the most common themes of comedy of manners?
Lust, greed, materialistic nature of people, gossip and rumours, hypocritical nature and false pretensions of the people were common subjects of the comedy of manners. Areas such as marriage, love, adultery, fortune hunting were also portrayed in these plays.
What is the theme of The Way of the World?
Jealousy, Deceit, and Intrigue In many ways, the play can be thought of as a competition between Mirabell and Fainall to deceive the other by means of opposing schemes to gain control of Lady Wishfort and her fortune. Each man is assisted in his plan to outdo the other.
What was the major theme of the comedy of manners?
In what way is the comedy of manners different from realistic comedies?
The difference in one succinct statement is that 17th century Restoration comedies of manners were morally objectionable–and replaced by moral though unrealistic sentimental comedies–while the 18th century revival of comedies of manners were morally sound; the previous immorality had been eliminated.
What is the message of The Way of the World?