Restoration Tragedy

"Restoration Tragedy 1660-1720" is a seminal critical examination of the tragic drama produced in England from the return of Charles II to the early eighteenth century. Written by the distinguished scholar Bonamy Dobree, this work explores the evolution of the tragic form during a period of significant cultural and political upheaval. The study delves into the "heroic play," the influence of French neoclassicism, and the eventual transition toward a more sentimental and domestic style of tragedy.

The book provides in-depth analysis of the era's major playwrights, including John Dryden, Thomas Otway, and Nathaniel Lee, while situating their works within the broader intellectual context of the time. Dobree evaluates the aesthetic successes and failures of these dramatists, offering insights into why certain plays resonated with the Restoration audience while others fell into obscurity. By tracing the development of blank verse and the shifting moral landscape of the stage, the author highlights the unique characteristics that define this specific chapter of literary history.

An essential resource for students of English literature and theater history, "Restoration Tragedy 1660-1720" remains a vital guide for understanding the complexities of seventeenth-century drama. It offers a sophisticated perspective on the artistic ambitions and technical innovations that shaped the tragic stage during this transformative era.

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