English Drama of the Restoration and Eighteenth Century

'English Drama of the Restoration and Eighteenth Century (1642-1780)' provides a comprehensive survey of a transformative period in British theatrical history. Spanning from the closure of the theaters in 1642 through the vibrant Restoration and into the late eighteenth century, this scholarly work examines the evolution of dramatic forms and styles. The text offers in-depth analysis of the rise of the comedy of manners, the development of heroic tragedy, and the shift toward sentimentalism on the London stage.George Henry Nettleton explores the influence of social and political changes on the works of pivotal playwrights, including John Dryden, William Congreve, Henry Fielding, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. The narrative meticulously traces the transition from the sophisticated wit of the late seventeenth century to the moralizing tendencies of the Georgian era. By situating dramatic literature within its broader cultural context, this work remains an essential resource for students of English literature and theater historians. It provides a clear, chronological account of how English drama reclaimed its prominence and redefined its purpose over nearly a century and a half of creative innovation.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.