英国文学-Richard-Brinsley-Sheridan.pptVIP

* * * * * * The 18th century Drama SheridanRichard Brinsley Sheridan Decline of Comedy and Theatre Jumping over 150 years after death of Shakespeare In 1642 the theatres had been closed down by the new puritan republican government Stayed closed till restoration of the monarchy in 1660 New theatres influenced by French theatre and culture Restoration Comedy Theatre became a recreation for upper classes Still disapproved of by puritans Women actresses appeared Seen as whores by puritans Although a heroic type of tragedy thrived Restoration comedy has survived Restoration comedy Also known as Comedy of Manners Known at the time as Genteel Comedy Emphasis on style and wit Style of behavior, dress and language Along with openness about sexual matters No nudity or simulated sex but sex is frankly though stylishly talked about Restoration comedy Scene normally in London, very small section of London Stereotypes; rakes and wits, young wives, old cuckolded husbands, country people as figures of fun Themes of sex and sexual conquest but also of marriage and finance Women often as witty as the men But ultimately not as powerful I. The 18th century drama The English drama of 18th century does not reach the same high level as its novel. In 1728, John Gay wrote “The Beggar’s Opera”, which contains some indirect satire against contemporary political and social life. English drama experienced a brief flowering in the second half of the 18th century for the comedies of Sheridan and Goldsmith, whose comedies The Good-Natured Man 《好心人》 and She Stoops to Conquer《屈身求爱》 have received due attention. Eighteenth Century Drama In the early eighteenth-century drama became more sentimental More didactic Less amusing In the second half of the century a move to bring humor back into the equation Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer Both Sheridan and Goldsmith born in Ireland Scenery used The elegance and wit of the Restoration theatre is still used But less sexually explicit There is a sear