Definition of Comedy of Manners

A comedy of manners is a type of comedy that satirizes the social conventions and
behaviors of a particular class or society. It typically features witty dialogue,
sophisticated characters, and a plot that revolves around romantic intrigue or social
scandal.
Characteristics of Comedy of Manners
• Satire: Comedies of manners often use satire to poke fun at the social
conventions and behaviors of the time.
• Witty dialogue: Comedies of manners are known for their witty and clever
dialogue.
• Sophisticated characters: The characters in comedies of manners are typically
sophisticated and well-educated.
• Plot: The plot of a comedy of manners typically revolves around romantic intrigue
or social scandal.
Why Arms and the Man and The Importance of Being Earnest Are Comedies of
Manners
Both Arms and the Man and The Importance of Being Earnest are comedies of manners
because they satirize the social conventions and behaviors of Victorian society.
In Arms and the Man, Shaw satirizes the Victorian idealization of romance and war. He
does this through the character of Captain Bluntschli, a pragmatic and cynical soldier
who challenges the romantic notions of his love interest, Raina Petkoff. Bluntschli
argues that war is not a glorious adventure, but a dirty and brutal business. He also
criticizes the upper class for their frivolous and superficial values.
In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde satirizes the social conventions of Victorian
society, such as the importance of marriage and social status. He does this through the
characters of Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who lead double lives in order to
escape the social constraints of their class. Jack pretends to be a responsible guardian
in the country, while Algernon pretends to have a sickly friend in the city. The play's plot
is driven by a series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities, which lead to
hilarious and unexpected results.
Comparison and Contrast of Arms and the Man and The Importance of Being Earnest
as Comedies of Manners
• Tone:Arms and the Man is a more serious and satirical play, while The
Importance of Being Earnest is a more lighthearted and farcical play.
 • Subject matter:Arms and the Man deals with the serious subjects of romance,
war, and social class, while The Importance of Being Earnest satirizes the social
conventions of marriage and social status.
• Social commentary:Arms and the Man is a more direct and critical social
commentary, while The Importance of Being Earnest is a more subtle and
satirical social commentary.
Textual References
Here are some textual references that support the comparison and contrast of Arms and
the Man and The Importance of Being Earnest as comedies of manners:
• Arms and the Man:
o "BLUNTSCHLI: War is not popular among soldiers, because there is no
enemy. It is a ridiculous exaggeration of our intercourse with civilians. In
the middle of peace we are in a state of disguised war; and war is only
distinguished from disguised war by being avowed and open." (Act I)
o "RAINA: You are a cruel, cynical man. I can't endure you." (Act II)
o "BLUNTSCHLI: The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in
front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." (Act III)
• The Importance of Being Earnest:
o "ALGERNON: The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it." (Act
I)
o "JACK: I have lost my identity. I don't know who I am." (Act II)
o "LADY BRACKNELL: To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded
as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness." (Act III)
Despite their differences, both Arms and the Man and The Importance of Being Earnest
are excellent examples of the comedy of manners genre. They are both well-written,
thought-provoking, and funny.