In this short prologue, the actress who played Julia in the original production discusses the differences between comedy and tragedy. Tragedy, or the Sentimental Muse, would snatch the dagger from the hand of comedy and have all plays end in blood and tears. Can a comedy, she asks, "Charm the fancy and yet reach the heart?"
This prologue was added after the show re-opened and had reached its tenth night. For a play to run that long in the English theatre of the day was quite an accomplishment. This is why Sheridan says, "Our suit and trial are over."
Through this prologue, Sheridan defends the Comedy of.....
This is a free excerpt of 112 words. This section contains 222 words. This
study guide contains 22,943 words (approx. 76 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our The Rivals Access Pass.
