What are the characteristics of a Restoration Comedy (or Comedy of Manners)?
Restoration comedy ridiculed human failings; breaches of a “sophisticated code of manners” established by the courtiers of Charles II. They assumed (but never stated) an ideal mode of life which they expected the audience to accept. The Ideal Gentleman was well born, dressed well, was poised and witty, skilled in love making, was able to conduct several affairs simultaneously, never boasted of his affairs, was always discreet, and never fell in love (or showed true compassion). If he was married, he could not be jealous if his wife took a lover. The Fashionable Young Lady was familiar with the world of intrigue, but did not become involved in it. If she was a widow (or married to an older man) she could take a lover, as long as she was not found out. If she was married, she should not expect constancy in her husband. 14. What type of comedies did Richard Sheridan write? Sheridan is remembered for his high comedies. 15. What is the title of his most important work? The School for Scanda
