SATIRE IN THE RESTORATION: DRYDEN AND THE COMEDY OF MANNERS.
Keywords:
Restoration satire, John Dryden, Comedy of Manners, Restoration theatre, literary criticism, wit, social critique, neoclassicism.Abstract
This article explores the nature and function of satire during the English Restoration period, focusing particularly on John Dryden’s contributions and the development of the Comedy of Manners. The study examines the socio-political circumstances that shaped Restoration satire, the aesthetic features that distinguished Dryden’s satirical voice, and the thematic mechanisms employed in the Comedy of Manners to critique aristocratic hypocrisy, gender relations, and social pretensions. By analyzing primary texts and scholarly sources, the research identifies the stylistic, structural, and ideological foundations of Restoration satire, highlighting how Dryden and playwrights such as William Congreve, George Etherege, and Richard Sheridan contributed to a tradition of witty, sharp, and highly social comedic critique. Tables summarizing thematic characteristics and authorial techniques provide structured insight into the genre’s evolution.
