1718

= The Entertainer =

The Entertainer was a periodical that was released weekly every Wednesday. It ran from November 6, 1717, all the way to August 27, 1718. Based on the name itself, it could be perceived as a piece that covers the many intricacies and news dealing with the theatre world and various plays going on. However, it is actually a critique piece that is based on opinionated pieces about different issues going on within the government and society.

The very first issue gives a comforting tone to the readers, as even though it is an opinion piece, the authors state that they do not believe that they are above everyone else in regard to status. What is important about this section is the acceptance and general sense of belonging it conveys to the readers. Through this manner, The Entertainer is able to attach itself to various types of people on the premise that it is the paper for everyone.

The best way to sum up the periodical would be with a direct quote from its first issue.

“The politer and honester part of mankind are those to whom we shall appeal.”

The technique by The Entertainer is a tactful one. From the very first issue, the reader would be enthralled by a paper that is honest and straightforward to its audience. Even more so, it creates an illusion that those who read it would be the “politer and honester part of mankind” that the paper is supposed to appeal to. It is a brilliant pre-yellow journalism technique that The Entertainer used to capture the reader’s attention for future issues.

There were a few advertisements every few weeks or so that stretch across many different topics. Some of the interesting ads deal with the type of quack science discoveries that are passed on to misinformed readers. In the November 13, 1717, issue, there is an ad for a necklace that cures “all diseases external or internal,” while in the August 20, 1718 issue, there is an ad for a cream that rids the user of all facial blemishes.

The two main themes the periodical hit on were government and the virtues of the people. In some cases, religion was included but for the most part, it surrounded the former two topics.

The November 27, 1717
This issue, portrays both of the former points along with religion all in two pages. The whole issue deals with religion, government, virtues, and punishment, all within two pages. The Entertainer points out the fallacies with religion being bound to government in that it is ineffective. Since not everyone is the same religion, it is unfair to those who do not believe in Christianity since they can be punished for their beliefs.

This leads to their next topic, which are punishments. When it comes to punishing people for religious crimes, The Entertainer notes that they must either “forsake their God, or deny their allegiance to that government under which they were born.” The argument by The Entertainment also ties into virtues as it questions the consciences of the executioners who take part in this action.

The November 27th issue showcases the moral compass that The Entertainer plays. Instead of catering solely to one group of people, they provide a resistance to the common laws in their society. This is a glance at the government interest portion of the periodical. The Entertainer was able to provide insight on the wrongdoings in the government. This would at least allow those who were being affected know that at least someone is aware of what was going on. The Entertainer did more than just government commentaries to show they were aware, as they also included reader response sections.

Reader Response
Although it was an opinion paper, The Entertainer allowed reader response and even responded to reader’s suggestions or opinions. Akin to questionnaires in magazines or newspapers in modern society, The Entertainer was also in touch with its readership.

Calling them the “Candid Readers,” The Entertainer would print a letter from one of their readers followed by their own response.

The letters varied in subject month by month, but generally asked for either advice or input from The Entertainer. For instance, the January 1st issue provided a scenario the reader witnessed and she was looking for insight from The Entertainer. On the other hand, the June 18th issue featured a widow looking for advice about her son’s fortune.

To stay in touch with the people, The Entertainer did more than just touch on government policies and religious subjects. It also provided guidance for its readers.

Guidance
The Entertainment provided was consistent and not constrained only to the reader response issues. Case in point would be its May 7th issue which focused on ambition.

The Entertainer used ambition as a catalyst to help inspire people to make changes in their lives. The goal was to give its readers an appetite for ambition. In other words, the goal was to uplift. In this issue, The Entertainer pointed out what would happen to people if they lack ambition as it would make them “sluggish.” On the other hand, those full of ambition would be able to go after “great and noble undertakings” that they regularly would not be able to endure.

News, “The Entertainer.” London, November 6, 1717 - August 27, 1718.

Philips, J. (John). The inquisition. A farce. As it was acted at Child's Coffee-House, and the King's-Arms Tavern, In St. Paul's Church-Yard. Wherein the controversy between the Bishop of Bangor and Dr. Snape, is fairly stated, and set in a true Light. By Mr. J. Philips. London, 1717. Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Gale. University of Maryland College Park.

“The London stage, 1660-1800; a calendar of plays, entertainments & afterpieces, together with casts, box-receipts and contemporary comment.” Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Press, 1960-1968.