One of a series designed to provide an accessible approach to the works of great poets and playwrights. Each title includes general notes on the text; discussion of themes, issues and contexts.
William Wycherley Book order
January 1, 1640 – January 1, 1716
William Wycherley was an English dramatist of the Restoration period, renowned for plays brimming with sharp wit and social commentary. His works vividly capture the era's milieu, featuring characters often driven by cynicism and the pursuit of wealth and pleasure. Wycherley's style is marked by rapid-fire dialogue and unexpected twists, reflecting his disdain for hypocrisy and societal artifice. His plays are celebrated for their intelligence and audacious portrayals of human nature.
- 2016
- 2014
The Country Wife
- 178 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Set in the 17th century, the play centers on Harry Horner, a notorious rake who spreads a rumor about being a eunuch to pursue affairs without raising suspicion. Its bold exploration of sexuality and gender roles sparked controversy, featuring explicit scenes and women engaging in behaviors typically reserved for men, such as carousing and singing. The narrative weaves together multiple plot lines, revealing the complexities of desire and societal expectations during its time.
- 2009
La moglie di campagna. Testo inglese a fronte
- 374 pages
- 14 hours of reading
- 1973
New Mermaids: The Country Wife
- 164 pages
- 6 hours of reading
