ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Restoration comedy

Restoration comedy is a type of play that was popular in England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. When people say "Restoration," they're talking about a time when a king named Charles II came back to the throne after a big war. During his reign, people wanted to have fun and enjoy life after all the sadness and conflict they had experienced. Restoration comedy was one way to do that.

These plays were usually funny and silly, with lots of jokes and satire. They often had silly plots about love affairs, mistaken identities, and other common themes. The characters in Restoration plays were often exaggerated and over-the-top, with big personalities that were designed to make the audience laugh.

One thing you should know about Restoration comedy is that it was very different from the serious plays that came before it. These earlier plays were often about serious topics like morality and religion. In contrast, Restoration comedy was all about having fun and making people laugh.

One reason why Restoration comedy was so popular was because it offered a way for people to forget about their troubles and have a good time. People could escape from their daily lives and enjoy an evening at the theater, watching funny and entertaining plays. Plus, the plays often had beautiful costumes and music, which added to their appeal.

So if you ever hear the term "Restoration comedy," just remember that it's a kind of play that was popular a long time ago in England. It was funny, silly, and meant to make people laugh and forget their worries.
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