Classic Novels Library

Richard Steele Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. Aitken

Richard Steele Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. Aitken

by Steele, Richard, Sir, 1672-1729

BookID: 55922

Language:English

Editor:Aitken, George Atherton, 1860-1917

Alternate Title:The complete plays of Richard Steele

Contents:Richard Steele -- The funeral -- The lying lover -- The tender husband -- The conscious lovers -- The school of action (a fragment) -- The gentleman (a fragment) -- Appendix.

Reading Level:Reading ease score: 78.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Copyright Status:Public domain in the USA.

English drama (Comedy)Steele, Richard, Sir, 1672-1729

Description

"The Complete Plays of Richard Steele" by Sir Richard Steele is a collection of comedies written in the early 18th century. This anthology highlights Steele's contributions to the English drama, showcasing his wit and humor similar to that found in his renowned periodical essays like the "Tatler" and "Spectator." The plays included tackle themes of love, society, and morality, featuring characters such as the earnest widower Lord Brumpton and the charming Lady Sharlot. The opening of the collection introduces Richard Steele's background and his journey as a playwright while elaborating on the theatrical landscape of his time. It reveals how Steeleโ€™s early life, including a brief military career, informed his comedic writing and themes, culminating in stage productions like "The Funeral," which critiques societal attitudes towards mourning and showcases his satirical perspective on human behavior. The text provides an insightful overview of the historical context and highlights significant elements that resonate throughout his works. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Class:PR: Language and Literatures: English literature

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