This edition had all images removed.

Title: The Contrast

Note: Reading ease score: 79.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Note: 1st US Play Performed

Credits: Produced by Judith Boss

Summary: "The Contrast" by Royall Tyler is a comedy written in the late 18th century. This play holds significant historical importance as the first American play to be staged by a professional acting company, highlighting the evolving American theatrical landscape. The narrative juxtaposes American values and character with those of foreign manners and customs, primarily through the experiences of the main character, Colonel Manly, and his interactions with other characters such as the fashionable Mr. Dimple and the spirited women in their circle. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Charlotte and Letitia, who engage in lively banter regarding dress and societal expectations, revealing the comedic and satirical tone of the work. As they discuss their friends and impending nuptials, we see emerging themes of societal norms, the struggles of love, and the contrast of honest American character against superficial foreign influences. The opening also establishes a rich array of characters, setting the stage for comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements, particularly as Charlotte’s brother, Colonel Manly, enters the scene, further complicating the social dynamics at play. Overall, the beginning sets a vibrant and humorous tone that promises both entertainment and commentary on the cultural contrasts of the time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Author: Tyler, Royall, 1757-1826

Author of introduction, etc.: McKee, Thomas Jefferson, 1840-1899

EBook No.: 554

Published: Jun 1, 1996

Downloads: 149

Language: English

Subject: Comedies

Subject: American drama (Comedy)

LoCC: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature

Category: Text

Rights: Public domain in the USA.

This edition has images.

Title: The Contrast

Note: Reading ease score: 79.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Note: 1st US Play Performed

Credits: Produced by Judith Boss

Summary: "The Contrast" by Royall Tyler is a comedy written in the late 18th century. This play holds significant historical importance as the first American play to be staged by a professional acting company, highlighting the evolving American theatrical landscape. The narrative juxtaposes American values and character with those of foreign manners and customs, primarily through the experiences of the main character, Colonel Manly, and his interactions with other characters such as the fashionable Mr. Dimple and the spirited women in their circle. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Charlotte and Letitia, who engage in lively banter regarding dress and societal expectations, revealing the comedic and satirical tone of the work. As they discuss their friends and impending nuptials, we see emerging themes of societal norms, the struggles of love, and the contrast of honest American character against superficial foreign influences. The opening also establishes a rich array of characters, setting the stage for comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements, particularly as Charlotte’s brother, Colonel Manly, enters the scene, further complicating the social dynamics at play. Overall, the beginning sets a vibrant and humorous tone that promises both entertainment and commentary on the cultural contrasts of the time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Author: Tyler, Royall, 1757-1826

Author of introduction, etc.: McKee, Thomas Jefferson, 1840-1899

EBook No.: 554

Published: Jun 1, 1996

Downloads: 149

Language: English

Subject: Comedies

Subject: American drama (Comedy)

LoCC: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature

Category: Text

Rights: Public domain in the USA.