Introduction
The Play “The Contrast” written by Royall Tyler is considered to be a significant American play disclosing the culture of US nation. The work shows the idea of contrast between people, places and events. The author managed to depict vivid differences between wealthy and materialistic European expatriates and hard working, earnest people believing in American future. The play appeared to be the reflection of diversity contrast existing in the society: from imitators to sincere and players to sincere.
Discussion
The genre of the play used by the author is satire and comedy through which Tyler managed to depict the lifestyle of Europe and America in the most simple and available for understanding way. The play shows the contrast between the representatives of American folk and Yankee on the basis of Jonathan’s behavior and manners. The character of Jonathan is provided as a vivid contrast to the American society. He is the representative of American Yankee though having no typical features characterizing social group he is referred to.
“I, the first in the homeland Aonio, having founded this colony, turn to the Muses.” (Tyler, 2007)
Jonathan is completely contrasted to the American society through the embodiment of sincerity, innocence and virtue. The theme of patriotism disclosed through the Yankee type of Jonathan depicting the contrast between European and American cultural standards. The author managed to show the contrast of American values and virtues to “artificial” manners of behavior presented in the English society of Yankees. The contrast described was aimed at highlighting nationalistic and theatrical aspects spread throughout America at the period of social class discrimination.
The theme of contrast developed by Tyler appeared to be centralized around American forthrightness and European foppishness. The author managed to show that America is presented as the state of manly virtues and the result of industrial activities and sobriety, while Europe is considered to be the example of luxury. Thus, the representatives of these two nations and social groups form the principle contrast of the play. Maria and Manly performs the example of American virtues being contrasted to Laetitia, Dimple and Charlotte who are depicted through European values and their degrading decadence
“But they say her indifference to dress, and even to the gentleman himself, is not entirely affected…” (Tyler, 2007)
The illustration of women characters gives an opportunity to evaluate the stage of class discrimination.
“Though the giving the heart is one of the last of all laughable considerations in the marriage of a girl of spirit, yet I should like to hear what antiquated notions the dear little piece of old-fashioned prudery has got in her head…” (Tyler, 2007)
The idea of social discrimination was shown in various discussions about the manner of dressing or attitude to marriage.
Conclusion
So, the theme of contrast was expressed through the identification of principle cultural themes such as sobriety, frugality and industry. The class discrimination stage is the basic contrast ground for comparison of American and European cultures.
References
Tyler, Royall. The Contrast. NYU Press, 2007.