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184
Play • Fiction
London • 1670s
1675
Adult
18+ years
The Country Wife by William Wycherley, written in 1675, is a Restoration comedy centered on Harry Horner, who feigns impotence to gain access to and seduce married women. Meanwhile, newlywed Jack Pinchwife tries to keep his naive wife, Margery, away from Horner but fails as she falls for him. Concurrently, Frank Harcourt pursues Pinchwife’s sister, Alithea, who is engaged to the foolish Mr. Sparkish. The play humorously explores themes of marriage, infidelity, and male competition.
Humorous
Spicy
Playful
Mysterious
Romantic
The Country Wife by William Wycherley is celebrated for its sharp wit and satirical edge, epitomizing Restoration comedy. Critics laud its clever dialogue and incisive social commentary. However, some note its outdated gender politics and bawdy humor may not resonate with modern audiences. Overall, it remains a vital, though polarizing, theatrical work.
An ideal reader for The Country Wife by William Wycherley enjoys witty and risqué Restoration comedies. Fans of provocative humor and critiques of social mores akin to Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest or Richard Sheridan's The School for Scandal will relish Wycherley's satirical take on marriage and hypocrisy.
Mr. Frank Harcourt
A friend of Horner's, known for his past womanizing, who becomes genuinely devoted to Alithea and pursues her seriously, using his talent for trickery.
Mr. Dorilant
A companion to Horner and Harcourt, he enjoys the benefits of Horner's schemes but does not have a romantic subplot of his own.
Mr. Jack Pinchwife
A middle-aged former rake who marries the young and naïve Margery, whom he jealously guards to prevent infidelity, resorting to extreme measures to control her.
Mr. Sparkish
An acquaintance of the rakes who prides himself on his wit and intelligence, yet is oblivious to the true nature of his surroundings, especially his fiancée Alithea's feelings.
Sir Jaspar Fidget
A nobleman who leaves his wife often to handle business and naively believes Horner's impotence claim, arranging situations that contribute to his own cuckolding.
Mrs. Margery Pinchwife
A naive and innocent young woman from the country, married to Jack Pinchwife, who is curious about city life and easily manipulated by Horner.
Alithea Pinchwife
Jack Pinchwife's sister, who is faithful and morally upright, engaged to the foolish Sparkish while being pursued seriously by Harcourt.
Lady Fidget
Sir Jaspar's wife, who sleeps with Horner while maintaining her reputation, and is quick to forgive his insults upon discovering his true nature.
Mrs. Dainty Fidget
Sir Jaspar's sister, likewise involved with Horner, who is conscious of maintaining her social reputation despite her activities.
Mrs. Squeamish
A woman who, along with Mrs. Dainty Fidget, engages with Horner, driven by dissatisfaction with her social and marital circumstances.
Old Lady Squeamish
Mrs. Squeamish's grandmother, invested in her granddaughter's reputation, yet easily deceived by Horner's ruse.
A Quack
A charlatan physician who aids Horner by spreading the falsehood of his impotence, thus enabling his escapades.
184
Play • Fiction
London • 1670s
1675
Adult
18+ years
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