Title
The Virtuoso (Regents Restoration Drama Series),New
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First published in 1676, The Virtuoso set a standard for theatrical satire. It was the most extensive dramatic treatment of modern science since Jonson's The Alchemist and took as its target no less than the Royal Society of London. Shadwell's barbs hit their targets often and cleanly. In 1689 he became Poet Laureate of England, a position he held until his death in 1692.The virtuoso of the title is Sir Nicholas Gimcrack, who like many after him confuses the extent of a collection with the depth of a science. Sir Gimcrack is fascinated by the geography of the moon, the worlds in his microscope, and the possibilities of human flight. More seriously andfor Shadwell's audiencemore comically, his obsession with his arrays of worms and spiders proceeds at the expense of his wife and two beautiful nieces.The play also introduces Sir Formal Trifle, a pedantic ciceronian orator and coxcomb. His character established thereafter the theatrical type of the knowitall blowhard. Famous for its wit and highspeed changes, The Virtuoso is also a display of the prestige of modern science and the pomposity of its ameteurs.
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- Q: What is 'The Virtuoso' about? A: 'The Virtuoso' is a theatrical satire written by Thomas Shadwell, first published in 1676. It critiques the Royal Society of London through the character of Sir Nicholas Gimcrack, who is obsessed with modern science and its trivialities, often at the expense of his family.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Virtuoso'? A: The author of 'The Virtuoso' is Thomas Shadwell, who served as the Poet Laureate of England from 1689 until his death in 1692.
- Q: What are the main themes of 'The Virtuoso'? A: The main themes of 'The Virtuoso' include the satire of scientific pretentiousness, the conflict between knowledge and ignorance, and the comedic exploration of obsession with modern science.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Virtuoso' have? A: 'The Virtuoso' has a total of 180 pages.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: 'The Virtuoso' is listed as a new book, ensuring that it is in pristine condition for readers.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'The Virtuoso'? A: 'The Virtuoso' is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: Is 'The Virtuoso' suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'The Virtuoso' can be a valuable resource for academic study, particularly in literature and drama, as it showcases early modern theatrical satire and the context of scientific discourse.
- Q: What year was 'The Virtuoso' published? A: 'The Virtuoso' was published on February 1, 1966, as part of the Regents Restoration Drama Series.
- Q: Are there any notable characters in 'The Virtuoso'? A: Yes, notable characters include Sir Nicholas Gimcrack, the title character, and Sir Formal Trifle, who embodies the know-it-all archetype within the play.
- Q: What genre does 'The Virtuoso' belong to? A: 'The Virtuoso' belongs to the genre of dramas and plays, specifically as a satire of the scientific community and societal norms of the time.