The Contrast

"The Contrast" by Royall Tyler is a comedy written in the late 18th century. As one of the first American plays to gain attention, it provides a glimpse into the social dynamics and cultural attitudes of its time, particularly in New York City. The play revolves around themes of love and marriage, featuring characters such as the satirical Colonel Manly and the seemingly frivolous Dimple, as well as other young women navigating the complexities of desire and societal expectations. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Charlotte and Letitia, discussing the latest fashions and gossip in a light-hearted manner. Various characters are introduced, including Maria, who is torn between her duty to her father and her lack of affection for her intended husband, Mr. Dimple. Charlotte’s brother, Colonel Manly, contrasts sharply with the other characters through his serious demeanor and moral perspective, setting the stage for a clash between duty, societal expectations, and personal desire that unfolds throughout the comedy. The opening establishes the playful, yet critical essence of the narrative and introduces the contrasting values that will be explored in the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Royall Tyler was an American jurist, teacher and playwright. He was born in Boston, graduated from Harvard University in 1776, and then served in the Massachusetts militia during the American Revolution. He was admitted to the bar in 1780, became a lawyer, and fathered eleven children. In 1801, he was appointed a Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court. He wrote a play, The Contrast, which was produced in 1787 in New York City, shortly after George Washington's inauguration. It is considered the first American comedy. Washington attended the production, which was well-received, and Tyler became a literary celebrity.