A Short View of the Immorality of the Profaneness of the English Stage: Together With the Sense of Antiquity Upon This Argument (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Jeremy Collier

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9781334919312: A Short View of the Immorality of the Profaneness of the English Stage: Together With the Sense of Antiquity Upon This Argument (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

This book delves into the controversial realm of theatrical performance, specifically scrutinizing the prevalent practices of the English stage during a period when it was undergoing significant change. The author, clearly a staunch moralist, undertakes a systematic critique of the prevailing trends in playwriting, arguing that they represent a dangerous departure from the standards of decency and decorum upheld by both classical and early Christian traditions. The book examines the portrayal of women on stage, arguing that the excessive freedom and licentiousness often attributed to female characters constitute a betrayal of their inherent modesty and a subversion of the natural order. The author draws upon the works of renowned playwrights, including Plautus, Terence, Sophocles, and Euripides, to illustrate the stark contrast between the restrained morality of the classical Greek and Roman theater and the perceived moral laxity of the contemporary English stage. The book also delves into the profanity and irreverence displayed on stage, arguing that the blatant disregard for religious values and the sanctity of the Scriptures is both shocking and harmful. The author contends that this disregard for tradition and morality threatens not only the spiritual well-being of the populace, but also the stability of society itself. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural anxieties surrounding theatrical performance, and its critique of the English stage serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of unbridled artistic freedom. The author's impassioned defense of traditional morality and his sharp criticisms of contemporary theatrical practices make this a thought-provoking and timely work for those interested in the intersection of art, ethics, and social change.

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