COMEDY OF MANNERS
By LINDSAY PRICE
The Comedy of Manners is a style of comedy that satirizes the behaviour, actions, fashions, and “manners” of a segment of
society. Because it has such specific characteristics – from plot to dialogue, to characterization, to costumes – it’s an excellent
era for students to learn and apply.
In this unit students are introduced to the style, learn some background, and apply the traits of the comedy of manners. The
unit culminates in the creation of a modern scene.
1 - Introduction 4 - Characters in the Comedy of Manners
The Comedy of Manners is a style of comedy that uses satire The Comedy of Manners is a style of comedy that uses satire
to highlight the behaviours, actions, fashions, and “manners” to highlight the behaviours, actions, fashions, and “manners”
of a segment of society. In this lesson students discuss the of a segment of society. Students will explore characters in
nature of comedies that make fun of a group of people and the comedy of manners and then create a comedy of
the definition of satire. They are taken through a slide deck manners character profile with one of the characters from
that introduces the background and style elements of the The
comedy of manners. Students also complete a Viewing Quiz. Importance of Being Earnest.
2 - Manners and Codes in the Comedy of Manners 5 - Culminating Assignment
The comedy of manners is a style of comedy that uses satire In this culminating assignment, students will apply what they
to highlight the behaviours, actions, fashions, and “manners” have learned throughout this unit to a modern devised scene.
of a segment of society. Students will explore the element of
manners and codes of behaviour in a modern context, and
then look at how the element is applied to a scene from The
Importance of Being Earnest.
3 - Verbal Comedy in the Comedy of Manners
The comedy of manners is a style of comedy that uses satire
to highlight the behaviours, actions, fashions, and “manners”
of a segment of society. Students will explore aspects of
verbal comedy in a modern context and then look at how the
element is applied to a scene from The Importance of
Being Earnest.
Standards Connections
National Core Arts Standards understanding.
6.TH:Cn11.2.b - Investigate the time period and place of a
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 6 drama/theatre work to better understand performance and
TH:Re8.1.6.b - Identify cultural perspectives that may design choices.
influence the evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 7
TH:Re8.1.7.b - Describe how cultural perspectives can Florida Sunshine State Standards
influence the evaluation of drama/theatre work. Critical Thinking & Reflection
TH.912.C.1.6 - Respond to theatrical works by identifying
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 8 and interpreting influences of historical, social, or cultural
TH:Re8.1.8.b - Analyze how cultural perspectives influence contexts.
the evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
Historical & Global Connections
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade TH.912.H.1.1 - Analyze how playwrights' work reflects the
HS Accomplished cultural and socio-political framework in which it was created.
TH:Re8.1.HSII.b - Apply concepts from a drama/theatre work
TH.912.H.1.3 - Present a design or perform in the style of a
for personal realization about cultural perspectives and
different historical or cultural context to gain appreciation of
understanding.
that time and culture.
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural,
Organizational Structure
and historical context to deepen understanding -
TH.912.O.1.4 - Write an original script or a dramatic
Grade 6
adaptation of a literary work to demonstrate knowledge of
TH:Cn11.2.6.b - Investigate the time period and place of a
theatrical conventions.
drama/theatre work to better understand performance and
design choices. TH.912.O.2.2 - Perform a scene or monologue in a non-
traditional way that stays true to its dramatic structure and
can be justified within the script.
Common Core Skills, Techniques & Processes
Language TH.912.S.2.3 - Demonstrate an understanding of a dramatic
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of work by developing a character analysis for one or more of its
the conventions of standard English grammar and usage major characters and show how the analysis clarifies the
when writing or speaking. character's physical and emotional dimensions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of
the conventions of standard English capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling when writing. Georgia Performance Standards -
Reading: Literature Theatre Arts
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1 - Cite strong and thorough Grade 6 - Connecting
textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says TA6.CN.2 - Examine the role of theatre in a societal,
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. cultural, and historical context., a. Describe the origins of
theatre., b. Identify and analyze ways in which theatre
Language
influences and reflects the culture of a society., c. Utilize a
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 - Demonstrate command of the
multi-disciplinary approach to research, create, and support
conventions of standard English grammar and usage when
artistic choices., d. Examine the relevance of cultural and
writing or speaking.
historical context.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2 - Demonstrate command of the
conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, Grade 7 - Creating
and spelling when writing. TA7.CR.2 - Develop scripts through theatrical techniques., a.
Create ideas for stories., b. Analyze the theme and structure
of a play., c. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a
California VAPA Standards (2019) script., d. Utilize dramatic conventions in the scriptwriting
6.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic process (e.g. stage directions, dialogue, scenes).
work. Grade 7 - Connecting
6.TH.Re8.b - Identify cultural contexts that may influence TA7.CN.2 - Examine the role of theatre in a societal,
the evaluation of a drama/theatre work. cultural, and historical context., a. Examine theatre
7.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. development throughout history., b. Identify and analyze
7.TH.Re8.b - Describe how cultural contexts can influence cultural influences on theatre., c. Utilize multi-disciplinary
the evaluation of drama/theatre work. research skills to obtain cultural and historical information to
justify artistic choices (e.g. costuming, make-up, setting of a
8.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. time period in relation to the play)., d. Draw conclusions
8.TH.Re8.b - Analyze how cultural contexts influence the about the influence of theatre on society.
evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
Grade 8 - Connecting
Acc.TH:Re8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic TA8.CN.2 - Examine the role of theatre in a societal,
work. cultural, and historical context., a. Compare and contrast how
Acc.TH.Re8.b - Apply concepts from a drama/theatre work theatre evolves through time., b. Examine how culture is
for personal realization about cultural contexts and defined through theatre and other media., c. Apply advanced
understanding. research skills to obtain appropriate cultural and historical
information to rationalize artistic choices (e.g. costuming,
6.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with make-up, setting of a time period in relation to the play)., d.
societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen Discuss theatre’s role in reflecting the culture of a society.
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I dramatic literature.
AND II - Creating
TAHSTL.CR.1 - Develop original theatre literature., a. HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
Compare and summarize theatre literature from various C.4.A - analyze historical and cultural influences on theatre.
historical periods, cultures, and styles., b. Examine and HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
outline the steps and conventions involved in the creation of C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on
a theatre text., c. Develop original texts using theatre theatre.
techniques (e.g. improvisation, adapting non-theatre
literature, playwriting exercises). HS 117.318 LIV - Historical and cultural relevance
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I theatre.
AND II - Performing
TAHSTL.PR.1 - Analyze characters in theatre literature from
the perspective of an actor/performer., a. Use performance
(e.g. oration, improvisation, rehearsed monologues, scenes)
Alberta, Canada
to analyze a character’s role and significance to the meaning Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late
of the play. drama)
4 - recognize dramatic structure of a play
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I 5 - recognize elements of tragedy and comedy
AND II - Connecting 6 - recognize realism and selected other significant theatre
TAHSTL.CN.1 - Connect theatre literature to its styles
dramaturgical contexts and other disciplines., a. Trace the
development of theatre from earliest forms to contemporary Playwriting - Drama 20
forms., b. Identify and summarize contributions made to the 1 - demonstrate understanding of the basic structure of a
development of theatre literature by different cultures and play
traditions., c. Research and explain how cultural and historical 3 - demonstrate understanding of script format
factors have influenced playwrights and theatre literature., d.
6 - identify character types and their functions and
Identify the elements, influences, and contributions of other
attributes
art forms and content areas to theatre literature.
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop awareness of various conventions of theatre
North Carolina Essential
Junior Orientation
Standards meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group
Advanced High School Standards - Culture commitments
A.CU.1.1 - Interpret theatre arts from personal, cultural, and
Junior Goal I Objectives
historical contexts.
develop the ability to initiate, organize and present a
A.CU.2.2 - Integrate conventions and structures of theatre project within a given set of guidelines
when creating formal or informal theatre productions.
develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively
in a group process
Texas Essential Knowledge and Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre
History)
Skills for Theatre Arts 4 - recognize that drama exists in every culture
MS 117.211 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
5 - recognize that “theatre is a mirror of society”.
C.4.A - demonstrate the role of theatre as a reflection of
history, society, and culture through participation in dramatic 6 - show awareness of selected periods and playwrights
activities. Senior Goal I Objectives
MS 117.212 LII - Historical and cultural relevance demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and
B.4.A - demonstrate knowledge of theatre as a reflection of constructively to the group process
life in particular times, places, and cultures. Senior Goal III Objectives
MS 117.213 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance explore various conventions and traditions of theatre
B.4.A - demonstrate theatre as a reflection of life in
particular times, places, and cultures through performance.
B.4.B - explore theatre heritage such as historical and
British Columbia (2018)
cultural influences as it is preserved in dramatic text, GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
traditions, and conventions. Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual
using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation,
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and and purposeful play
Understanding Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of
C.1.E - analyze characters by describing attributes such as personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental
physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions contexts in relation to the arts
through reading scripts of published plays.
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture,
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance society, and belonging through the arts
C.4.A - portray theatre as a reflection of life in particular Intentionally select and apply materials, movements,
times, places, and cultures. technologies, environments, tools, and techniques by
C.4.B - relate historical and cultural influences on theatre. combining and arranging artistic elements, processes, and
C.4.D - appreciate the cultural heritages of world drama and principles in art making
theatre and identify key figures, works, and trends in GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to collaborative and individual presentation or performance
understand artists' intentions Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of
contexts
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art and explore Improvise and take creative risks using imagination,
artists’ intent exploration, and inquiry
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
experiences Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and
refine ideas
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
and purposeful play
Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through
contexts in relation to the arts collaborative and individual presentation or performance
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills, vocabulary, and
society, and belonging through the arts techniques through presentation or performance
Intentionally select and apply materials, movements, Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of
technologies, environments, tools, and techniques by contexts
combining and arranging artistic elements, processes, and Improvise and take creative risks using imagination,
principles in art making exploration, and inquiry
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to Evaluate the social, cultural, historical, environmental, and
understand artists’ intentions personal contexts of dramatic works
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting ideas
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
experiences Demonstrate respect for self, others, and audience
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual Ontario, Canada
using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation,
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
and purposeful play
C.2.1 - identify ways in which dramatic expression and
Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of performance reflect communities and cultures, past and
personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental present (e.g., the prominence of socially and/or politically
contexts in relation to the arts powerful characters in the drama of pre-industrial societies;
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, the use of boy actors for female roles in Shakespearean
society, and belonging through arts activities and experiences theatre; the emphasis on religious themes in the drama of
many cultures in different eras)
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and C.2.2 - describe how drama is used for various purposes in
experiences a range of social contexts (e.g., to express or celebrate group
or community sentiments or values in street theatre or
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating parades; to mark important historical or religious
Create dramatic works both collaboratively and as an anniversaries of a country or culture; to raise awareness of
individual, using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, and social, environmental, and political issues; to explore personal
purposeful play relationships or social arrangements)
Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing -
personal, social, cultural, historical, and environmental in
Drama and Society
relation to drama
B.2.1 - identify different types of drama and explain their
Explore relationships between identity, place, culture, function in diverse communities and cultures from the past
society, and belonging through dramatic experiences and present (e.g., the function of television, film, or video
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, game dramas with predictable plot lines and stock or
emotions, and meaning stereotypical characters in today’s society; the function of
theatre in ancient Greece, liturgical drama in medieval
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create Europe, Shakespearean drama in Elizabethan England, and/or
Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts “social problem” dramas today)
Improvise and take creative risks to express meaning
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific
language
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Demonstrate respect for self, others, and the audience
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Create, rehearse, and refine dramatic works through
