Member-only story

Four Great Restoration Comedies: A Journey into the Wit and Satire of a Literary Era

Foster Hayes

·4.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Four Great Restoration Comedies (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

4 min read

1.2k View Claps

76 Respond

Save

Listen

Four Great Restoration Comedies (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

by Stephen L. Herman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	880 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Restoration period in English literature, spanning from 1660 to 1700, witnessed a remarkable flourishing of drama, particularly in the genre of comedy. Restoration comedies are renowned for their wit, satire, and incisive social commentary, reflecting the exuberant spirit and changing societal norms of the time. Dover Thrift Editions Plays presents a captivating collection of four great Restoration comedies by renowned playwrights William Congreve, George Etherege, and William Wycherley.

The Way of the World by William Congreve

William Congreve's magnum opus, The Way of the World, is a masterpiece of Restoration comedy. Set in the fashionable world of Restoration London, the play follows the witty and cunning Mirabell as he attempts to win the hand of the virtuous Millamant, who is pursued by the wealthy but foolish Fainall. Congreve's sparkling dialogue and intricate plot weave a tapestry of love, deception, and social satire.

Illustration Of A Scene From The Way Of The World Four Great Restoration Comedies (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

The Man of Mode by George Etherege

George Etherege's The Man of Mode is a raucous and witty comedy that skewers the excesses of Restoration society. The play centers around Dorimant, a charming and dissolute libertine who juggles multiple love affairs and engages in witty banter with his companions. Etherege's satire targets the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes, exposing the moral decay beneath the glittering facade.

Illustration Of A Scene From The Man Of Mode Four Great Restoration Comedies (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays) — The Man of Mode by George Etherege

The Country Wife by William Wycherley

William Wycherley's The Country Wife is a controversial and darkly comic play that explores the hypocrisy and sexual intrigue of Restoration society. The play follows Horner, a libertine who pretends to be impotent to gain access to the wives of other men. Wycherley's sharp wit and bawdy humor expose the underlying corruption of the era, questioning the morality and values of the time.

Illustration Of A Scene From The Country Wife Four Great Restoration Comedies (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

Love for Love by William Congreve

William Congreve's Love for Love is a delightful and heartwarming comedy that celebrates the power of true love. The play follows Valentine, a young man who pretends to be rich to win the heart of Angelica, a wealthy heiress. Congreve's witty dialogue and complex characters create a romantic and humorous exploration of love, marriage, and the complexities of human relationships.

Illustration Of A Scene From Love For Love Four Great Restoration Comedies (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays) — Love for Love by William Congreve

Dover Thrift Editions Plays' collection of Four Great Restoration Comedies offers a captivating journey into the wit, satire, and social commentary of a remarkable literary era. Through the works of William Congreve, George Etherege, and William Wycherley, we gain insights into the complexities of Restoration society, its moral dilemmas, and its enduring fascination with the human condition. These plays continue to entertain and provoke readers and theatergoers alike, preserving the legacy of Restoration comedy as a vibrant and insightful part of English literature.

Four Great Restoration Comedies (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

by Stephen L. Herman

4.5 out of 5