Stretching the limits of gender and the genre: Uncomfortable sexualities in Centlivre's The Basset Table (1705).
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5944/rdh.36.2019.18837Keywords:
Reform comedy, Gender, Centlivre, Whig, Sexuality, Comedia de reforma, Género, SexualidadAbstract
Abstract: Centlivre has been regarded as a master of sentimental comedy, a genre that reached its maximum popularity in the 18th century. This paper argues that The Basset Table (1705) is no typical sentimental comedy, since it actually carries a deeper meaning and social message, much more in accordance with her Whig ideas. I also argue that this play questions the established gender roles: undermining the image of the virtuous and charitable lady and the valiant gentleman and questioning the punishing of the widow and the rewarding of the rake, Centlivre builds a subtle, yet highly effective criticism of a society that does not allow for personal freedom.
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