230573 Comedy 1660-1800: Restoration to Sentimental Period (S) (WiSe 2006/2007)

After the theatres had been closed for 18 years under Puritan rule, the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy to the throne in 1660 brought drama back to English stages - and comedy returned with a vengeance. Restoration comedy is notorious for its frivolous, explicit and satirical presentation of society's manners and foibles. However, in the course of the 18th century, the genre underwent changes that coincided with major developments in the social structure, the economy, and mentalities in Britain. Comedy took a drastic turn from laughter and wit to tears and sentiment.
Reading four theatre plays, we will trace the development of comedy in the context of cultural changes from the Restoration to the Age of Sentiment: George Etherege, The Man of Mode (1676); Aphra Behn, The Rover (1681); Richard Steele, The Conscious Lovers (1722); Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to Conquer (1773). The plays will be made available in a reader that can be purchased from mid-September on.

Requirements: A Schein (and/or 3 credit points) will be awarded for regular attendance and active participation, contribution to an expert-group paper and a term paper.