The Contrast (play)

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The Contrast, written in 1787 by Royall Tyler, is an American play in the tradition of many British plays of the Restoration. It is most notably based on Sheridan's The School for Scandal, a British comedy of manners.

It could be considered ironic that Royall mocks and harshly criticizes Americans in his play because they follow British fashion and indulge in British vices, while the play is based in British play traditions.

The Contrast marks the first American play that was professionally produced and written by an American citizen.

"Primus ego in patriam Aonio--deduxi vertice Musas."

I, the first in the homeland Aonio, having founded this colony, turn to the Muses.

Contents 1 Characters 2 Plot Summary 2.1 Act I 2.1.1 Scene i 2.1.2 Scene ii 2.2 Act II 2.2.1 Scene i 2.2.2 Scene ii 2.3 Act III 2.3.1 Scene i 2.3.2 Scene ii 2.4 Act IV 2.4.1 Scene i 2.4.2 Scene ii 2.5 Act V 2.5.1 Scene i 2.5.2 Scene ii 3 External links

[edit] Characters

• Charlotte
• Letitia
• Mr. Billy Dimple
  • Primary redeeming values are his looks and wealth
• Maria Van Rough
• Colonel Manly
  • A contrasting character to Mr. Dimple
• Van Rough
  • Maria's Dad
• Jessamy
• Jonathan
• Jenny
• Servants

[edit] Plot Summary

[edit] Act I

[edit] Scene i

The audience is introduced to two friends, Charlotte and Letitia. They discuss the upcoming arranged marriage of Mr. Dimple and Maria Van Rough. During the engagement, Dimple traveled to England, leaving Maria to read books. In reading books, her tastes improved to the point of finding Dimple's love letters poorly written. They also discuss the engagement of Mr. Indigo, a wealthy Carolinian, and Sally, a pre-pubescent girl. The marriage of Miss Lovely to Bob Affable is also discussed.

Maria speaks to her father about her depression, which he attributes to her reading. In a soliloquy, Maria believes that if she tells her father how she truly feels, he will understand.

[edit] Scene ii

Charlotte and Letitia return from shopping. Charlotte is pleased with her purchase of a fashionable dress, despite its poor fit. She was also happy to buy a hat, preventing Sally Slender from buying it.

Charlotte receives a message stating that in preparation for her engagement, her brother, Colonel Manly, is visiting.

[edit] Act II

[edit] Scene i

[edit] Scene ii

[edit] Act III

[edit] Scene i

[edit] Scene ii

[edit] Act IV

[edit] Scene i

[edit] Scene ii

[edit] Act V

[edit] Scene i

[edit] Scene ii

[edit] External links

Online text of the play [1]