Restoration Period 1660 Flashcards
What occurred when the monarchy was restored in 1660 and its impact on plays?
Theatres were reopened, having been closed under the Puritan Commonwealth
How did early interpretations from the 17C and 18C portray Hamlet?
Prince Hamlet was portrayed as a heroic figure, perhaps in support of the restoration of the monarchy emphasising the Divine rights of Kings
What were the two dichotomies of interpretations of Hamlet?
~One argued that Shakespeare was untutored and primitive, especially considering the resurgence of neoclassical art from France after the Restoration
~The other was Shakespeares undeniable popularity with mass audiences and critics who were made uncomfortable by his ignorance of Aristotle’s unities and decorum
What did critics conclude during the Restoration Period?
Considered Hamlet in a milieu which abundantly demonstrated the plays dramatic viability
What did John Evelyn note in his diary when he saw the play in 1661?
He noted its violations of the unities of time and place
By the end of the Restoration Period what did John Dowels note about the play?
Hamlet was staged more frequently and profitably than any other play in Betterton’s repertoire
Apart from the heroic Hamlet what two aspects of the play did critics focus on? (and examples)
The qualities of Shakespeares language, critics discouraged the indecorous range of his language with Polonius’ fondness of puns and Hamlets use of “mean”, expressions such as “There’s the rub” receiving particular attention.
The question of Decorum focused on the plays violation of the tragic unity of time and place and the characters.
What did Jeremy Collier attack in his “Short View of the Immorality and Profanes of the English Stage”?
Compared Ophelia to Electra, he condemns Shakespeare for allowing his heroine to be “immodest” in her insanity, especially in “The Flower Scene”. His attack occasioned a widespread, often vituperative controversy.
George Drake’s defence of the play against Collier
He defends the justice of the play on the grounds that the murderers are “caught in their own toils” (traps) as well as defending Ophelia by describing her actions in the context of her desperate condition.
Thomas D’urfrey’s defence of the play against Collier
Claims Collier discerned immorality in places no one else objected
In the next decade who did Rowe and Dennis agree with about the plays violation of justice
Collier
What was Shaftesbury’s defence of the play?
The play was ultimately moral
