Eighteenth-Century Drama

 Eighteenth-Century Drama

1.

1. The dramatic literature of the 18th-century drama was not of a high order.

2. It was going towards a lower ebb.

3. One reason for the decline of drama was the Licensing Act of 1737 which curtailed the freedom of the dramatist.

4. Thus many writers had to leave the field of tragedy two opposing traditions - romantic and classical exercised their influence.

5.  a) The romantics were influenced by the Elizabethans.

 b) while the classical adopted French tradition. 

6.  a) Otway's ‘Venice Preserved’ was an example of romantic 

 b) while Addison held the classical tradition in ‘Cato’

7. Other tragedies under classical pattern were written by James Thomson (Sophonisba) and Dr Johnson’s ‘Irene’.

8. A large number of tragedy was written during the 18th century.

9. But most of them were revivals of old plays.

2.

1. In the field of comedy, disintegration was seen.

2. Comedy was changing to farce.

3. Sentiments that were opposite to reason, come to occupy an important place in comedy.

4.  1)Sentimental comedy now started gaining popularity.

 2) Sentimental comedy gave way to dramatic composition.

 3)  Here virtues of private life are exulted. The Vices are not   

       exposed.

5. The distress rather than the fault are points of interest.

6. All are flattered here.

7. All the characters are generous.

8. If ever they have fault they are not only applauded out pardoned.

9. The folly instead of being ridiculed is commended.

10. These comedies attempt to touch our passions, without being truly pathetic.

3. Sir Richard Steele (1671-1729)

1. Steele was the first exponent of sentimental comedy.

2. Steele extolled domestic virtues.

3. He was didactic in temper.

4. He was of the opinion that morality and intellect could go together.

5. He held that simplicity, goodness friendship and honour were guiding principles of conduct.

6. His notable works are - The lying lover, The tender husband etc.

4. Other dramatists of sentimental comedies were -

1. Colley Cibber

2. Hugh Kelley 

3. Richard Cumberland 

1. In their hand comedy was drenched in emotions and sentiments.

2. Hence there was a need to resume the drama.

5. Oliver Goldsmith

1. The two great dramatists who led against sentimental comedy were 

1. Oliver Goldsmith and 2) Richard Sheridan

2. Goldsmith (1730-1774). His Stoops to Conquer is a masterpiece.

3. It was an immediate success and till date is one of the most popular plays in the English language.

4. It is full of genuine humour and provokes laughter.

5. Here there is no artificiality of sentimental comedy.

6. The characters ‘Hardcastle’ and ‘Tony Lumpkin’ are the real images of the age; and true human figures.

7. Stoops to Conquer gave its contributed to restoring genuine mirth and laughter.

6. Richard Brinsely Sheridan (1757-1861)

1. Sheridan is best known for his two comedies -

1. Rivals and 2) The school for scandal.

2. Sheridan brought back the witty and brilliance of Restoration comedy.

3. He created a more genuine and romantic atmosphere under the influence of Shakespeare's works.

4. His character is clearly drawn.

5. But there is unfortunately no depth of human nature.

6. Dialogue has precision and wit reigns supreme.

7. Sheridan in his works attempted to reverse the trend of sentimentalism.

8. He was not didactic, but he insisted that the most admirable way of living is to be generous and open-hearted.

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