Comedy of Manners · English Literature

Which of the following is the defining characteristic of the 'Comedy of Manners' genre during the Restoration period?

  1. A focus on the simple, virtuous lives of rural peasants and farm workers
  2. The heavy use of slapstick violence and broad physical comedy
  3. A satirical look at the social conventions of the aristocratic elite
  4. The exploration of tragic and religious themes through moral allegory
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Correct answer: A satirical look at the social conventions of the aristocratic elite

The Comedy of Manners satirizes the manners, affectations, and sexual intrigues of the aristocratic social elite. It relies heavily on verbal wit and the tension between public reputation and private desire.

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