Comedy as Conciliation: Cornova the Dramatist Cover Image

Usmiřování světa: Cornova dramatikem
Comedy as Conciliation: Cornova the Dramatist

Author(s): Václav Smyčka
Subject(s): Cultural history, Czech Literature, 18th Century
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Ústav pro českou literaturu
Keywords: Ignaz Cornova; sentimental comedy; genre; language of comedy; Enlightenment;

Summary/Abstract: In this study we consider the comedies of Ignaz Cornova. Locating his plays within the landscape of late 18th century genres, we examine the specific use the writer makes of contemporary dramatic conventions and the way in which he engineers the social reconciliation that characterizes his comedies. First we take a closer look at the dramatic construction of his plays and compare them with the comedic output of his contemporaries active in Bohemia. We then focus on Cornova’s particular use of the language of comedy, of which we find echoes in his many and varied writings on culture and politics. Finally, we address the issue of relations between the social estates or classes. Our conclusion shows that the storylines Cornova rehearses in his comedies are later exploited in his historical writings and may thus be considered as the author’s recipe for pacifying the social conflicts of the period.

  • Issue Year: 11/2021
  • Issue No: 02
  • Page Range: 69-87
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Czech
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