Author
Hannah Cowley
1743-1809
Hannah Cowley (1743-1809) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Hannah Cowley
The Belle's Stratagem
"The Belle's Stratagem" by Hannah Cowley is a romantic comedy written in 1780. When Letitia Hardy discovers her childhood betrothed Doricourt seems unmoved by her charms, she devises a bold deception to win his passionate devotion rather than settle for a loveless marriage. Meanwhile, newlyweds Sir George and Lady Frances Touchwood navigate jealousy and the corrupting influence of fashionable London society. Both plotlines converge at a climactic masquerade ball where wit, virtue, and romantic love challenge the era's social conventions about marriage and women's roles.
A Bold Stroke for a Husband: A Comedy in Five Acts
"A Bold Stroke for a Husband: A Comedy in Five Acts" by Hannah Cowley is a comedic play written in the early 19th century. Set in Spain, it revolves around the various romantic entanglements and intrigues involving notable characters such as the strong-willed Olivia and her father, Don Cæsar, who is determined to see her married. The play explores themes of love, manipulation, and the dynamics between men and women in the societal context of the time. The opening of the play introduces us to a lively and humorous scenario in Madrid, where characters such as Sancha and Pedro engage in clever banter while preparing for the repercussions of love and jealousy. We meet Don Carlos, who harbors a tumultuous relationship with his wife and enters into a comedic interplay with other suitors. Meanwhile, Olivia grapples with numerous suitors and her resistance to conform to societal expectations of marriage, revealing her assertive personality. As the scenes unfold, both familial pressure and romantic antics set the stage for the conflicts and resolutions that will define the characters’ fates throughout the rest of the play.