Drama 1750-1800

1. Drama 1750-1800

2. 1750-1800 • The theatre was distinguished by the achievements of the French neo-classicists and the Restoration playwrights in England. • Jean Racine brought clarity of perception and simplicity of language to his love tragedies, which emphasize women characters and psychological motivation. • Molière produced brilliant social comedies that are neoclassical in their ridicule of any sort of excess. • Neo-classicists: distinct movements in visual arts.

3. Neo-Classicism • In the visual arts the European movement called “neoclassicism” began after 1765 as a reaction against Baroque and Rococo styles and as a desire to return to the purity of the arts of Rome.

4. In England… • In England, Restoration tragedy degenerated into bombastic heroic dramas by such authors as John Dryden and Thomas Otway. • Often written in rhymed heroic couplets, these plays are replete with sensational incidents and epic personages. • But Restoration comedy, particularly the brilliant comedies of manners by George Etherege and William Congreve, achieved a perfection of style and cynical upper-class wit that is still appreciated. • The works of William Wycherley, while similar in type, are more savage and deeply cynical. George Farquhar was a later and gentler master of Restoration comedy.