Comedy of Manners: A Literary Genre

Comedy of Manners: Introduction

Comedy of Manners is a literary genre that emerged during the late 17th century, particularly in Restoration England. This genre is characterized by its satirical portrayal of the manners, social customs, and affectations of a specific social class, often focusing on the upper echelons of society. Through clever dialogue, intricate plots, and exaggerated characterizations,

Comedy of Manners serves as a vehicle for social critique, exposing the absurdities and intricacies of societal norms and expectations. Set in sophisticated urban environments and driven by conflicts rooted in social conventions, these comedies provide a humorous commentary on the cultural and moral values of the time. The resolution of such comedies often involves the restoration of social order, either reinforcing or subverting traditional norms to offer insights into the complexities of human behavior within a given societal context

Comedy of Manners: Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Literal Meaning	Conceptual Meaning
Literary Genre: A form of comedy that satirizes the manners and affectations of a social class, often focusing on the behaviors and foibles of the upper class.	Social Satire: A comedic style that mocks the manners, social conventions, and pretensions of a particular social group, aiming to provide humorous commentary on societal norms.
Setting: Typically set in high society, portraying the interactions and relationships among characters in sophisticated urban environments.	Cultural Critique: Through wit and humor, it critiques the values, social norms, and etiquette of a specific cultural or social context, exposing the absurdities within.
Language: Characterized by clever dialogue, wordplay, and often intricate plots that revolve around social situations and misunderstandings.	Reflecting Social Nuances: The language and interactions mirror the intricacies of social etiquette, revealing the subtleties and nuances of societal expectations and interactions.
Characters: Often features characters with distinct personalities, each embodying certain societal traits or vices, contributing to the satire.	Exaggeration for Effect: Characters may be exaggerated stereotypes, emphasizing certain social behaviors to highlight their comedic and satirical elements.
Conflict: Primarily driven by social conventions, misunderstandings, and attempts to navigate complex social hierarchies and expectations.	Humorous Commentary: The conflicts and resolutions serve as a vehicle for humorously commenting on the social structures and norms of the time, often leading to absurd situations.
Resolution: Typically, the resolution involves the restoration of order and often includes a marriage or some form of reconciliation.	Social Harmony: The conclusion reinforces or challenges societal norms, with the resolution symbolizing a return to social order or a subversion of traditional expectations.

This table outlines both the literal and conceptual dimensions of “Comedy of Manners,” providing a clear distinction between its formal characteristics and its broader thematic and satirical implications.

Comedy of Manners in Literature: Examples

1. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (1895):
   • Wilde’s play is a quintessential Comedy of Manners, satirizing the social expectations and conventions of Victorian society. The characters navigate the complexities of courtship and marriage with wit and humor.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813):
   • Austen’s novel is a classic example of Comedy of Manners within the context of the 19th-century English gentry. The satirical exploration of manners, marriage, and social expectations is embedded in the interactions of characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
3. School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1777):
   • Sheridan’s play is a satirical examination of gossip, hypocrisy, and the superficiality of high society in 18th-century England. The characters engage in witty repartee as they navigate the complexities of social intrigue.
4. An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde (1895):
   • Another work by Wilde, this play delves into the moral compromises and societal expectations of the upper class. Through clever dialogue and comedic situations, Wilde critiques the perceived virtues and flaws of the characters.
5. Emma by Jane Austen (1815):
   • Austen’s novel explores the manners and matchmaking endeavors of the protagonist, Emma Woodhouse. The narrative satirizes the social hierarchy and expectations of early 19th-century England, revealing the consequences of misguided matchmaking.

These examples showcase the versatility of Comedy of Manners across different time periods and authors, highlighting its enduring appeal in satirizing societal norms and conventions.

Comedy of Manners in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Comedy of Manners
Rhetorical Analysis	Examines how the witty and clever dialogue in Comedy of Manners serves persuasive ends, shaping social commentary through rhetorical techniques.
Feminist Literary Criticism	Analyzes how the genre portrays gender roles, critiques societal expectations, and whether female characters challenge or reinforce established norms.
Poststructuralism	Explores how Comedy of Manners deconstructs and challenges traditional societal structures and language, revealing the fluidity of social constructs.
Marxist Literary Criticism	Investigates how class distinctions and social hierarchies are satirized, examining whether the genre reinforces or subverts existing power dynamics.
Cultural Studies	Studies how Comedy of Manners reflects and critiques the cultural values and norms of a specific historical period, offering insights into societal attitudes.

These theories demonstrate the multifaceted relevance of Comedy of Manners in literary analysis, showcasing its capacity to engage with and provide insights into various aspects of society and culture.

Comedy of Manners in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Description
Satire	The use of humor, irony, or ridicule to critique societies or institutions, pivotal in Comedy of Manners.
Wit and Repartee	Quick, clever, and humorous exchanges between characters, often involving wordplay.
Social Conventions	Accepted norms, expectations, and manners satirized and explored in Comedy of Manners.
Irony	Expressing meaning through language signifying the opposite, a common device in the genre.
Upper Class Setting	The genre unfolds in sophisticated urban environments, portraying interactions among the upper class.
Exaggerated Characters	Characters with heightened traits or stereotypes, emphasizing societal behaviors.
Social Commentary	Providing insight into societal norms and values through humorous and critical observation.
Restoration Comedy	Flourished during the Restoration period (1660–1710) in England, known for witty dialogue and satire.
Intricate Plots	Complex storylines involving social misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and humor.

Comedy of Manners in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Congreve, William. The Way of the World. Penguin Classics, 2001.
2. Sheridan, Richard Brinsley. The School for Scandal. Dover Publications, 1991.
3. Wycherley, William. The Country Wife. Nick Hern Books, 2015.
4. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 2003.
5. Molière. The Misanthrope. Oxford University Press, 2008.
6. Etherege, George. The Man of Mode. Oxford University Press, 2007.
7. Goldsmith, Oliver. She Stoops to Conquer. Dover Publications, 1991.
8. Behn, Aphra. The Rover. Broadview Press, 1999.
9. Vanbrugh, John. The Relapse. Dover Publications, 2002.
10. Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing. Oxford University Press, 2008.