Lord Dundreary

Character from the play "Our American Cousin"

Edward Askew Sothern as Lord Dundreary, c. 1872

Lord Dundreary is a fictional character from the 1858 British play Our American Cousin by Tom Taylor. The character became immensely popular in the 19th century, largely due to the performance of Edward Askew Sothern, who portrayed Dundreary in a manner that captivated audiences and led to the character's lasting legacy in popular culture.

Character Overview

Lord Dundreary is depicted as a comically foolish and foppish English nobleman. His character is characterized by his distinctive speech patterns, which include malapropisms, spoonerisms, and a tendency to trail off into nonsensical tangents. This manner of speaking became known as "Dundrearyisms," and it contributed significantly to the character's comedic appeal.

Dundreary's appearance is also notable; he is often portrayed with exaggerated sideburns, known as "dundrearies" or "dundreary whiskers," which became a fashionable style in the 1860s. His attire is typically that of an upper-class gentleman, complete with a top hat and a monocle, further emphasizing his status and eccentricity.

Role in "Our American Cousin"

In Our American Cousin, Lord Dundreary is a secondary character, yet his presence is pivotal to the comedic elements of the play. The plot revolves around the visit of an American, Asa Trenchard, to his English relatives, and Dundreary's interactions with Asa and other characters provide much of the humor. His misunderstandings and absurd logic serve as a foil to the more straightforward and practical American protagonist.

Cultural Impact

The character of Lord Dundreary became a cultural phenomenon in the 19th century. Edward Askew Sothern's portrayal was so popular that it led to the creation of spin-off performances and adaptations, including Dundreary Married and Done For and Dundreary's Wedding. The character's influence extended beyond the stage, as "Dundrearyisms" entered the vernacular, and the distinctive sideburns became a fashion trend.

Legacy

Lord Dundreary's legacy is evident in the way the character has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media over the years. The term "dundreary" has come to describe not only the sideburns but also a certain type of comedic character—bumbling, verbose, and endearingly foolish.

Related Pages

• Our American Cousin
• Edward Askew Sothern
• Tom Taylor
• Victorian era
• Comedy of manners