Author
Charles Rivière Dufresny
1657-1724
Charles Rivière Dufresny (1657-1724) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Charles Rivière Dufresny
The Village Coquette; Or, The Supposed Lottery
"The Village Coquette; Or, The Supposed Lottery" by Charles Rivière Dufresny is a comedic play written during the early 18th century, when the classic French theatre flourished. This witty work explores themes of love, deception, and social ambition in a rural setting, centering around a young woman named Lisette who skillfully negotiates the affections of three suitors: the Baron, Argon, and Girard, each representing different social classes and ambitions. In the story, Lisette, influenced by her motherly figure, the Widow, has been groomed to be a coquette, expertly maneuvering through romantic entanglements to leverage her beauty and charm for social gain. The plot thickens with the introduction of a supposed lottery win awarded to Farmer Lucas, Lisette’s father, which sets off a chain of misunderstandings and attempts at manipulation among the characters. As the suitors vie for Lisette’s affection in hopes of securing a prosperous marriage, they unwittingly expose their own greed and gullibility. Ultimately, a series of comic twists leads to revelations, leaving characters to confront the futility of their ambitions and the true value of love, resulting in a humorous and thought-provoking commentary on social aspirations in the context of romantic relationships.
The Spirit of Contradiction
"The Spirit of Contradiction" by Charles Rivière Dufresny is a comedic play written during the early 18th century. The story unfolds in a garden in London, revolving around the complexities of relationships and the theme of contradiction, particularly exemplified in the character of Mrs. Townly. The play highlights the humorous chaos that ensues from the conflicting desires of the characters as they navigate marriage proposals and family dynamics. The narrative centers around Mr. Townly's desire to marry off his daughter Angelica to a suitable suitor, Mr. Nelson, while his wife, Mrs. Townly, has her own contradictory opinions about whom Angelica should wed. Lucas, the gardener, observes the farcical entanglements and plans to use the spirit of contradiction to his advantage. As the characters engage in witty banter and scheming, Mrs. Townly's obstinate nature leads to misunderstandings and comedic situations. The play culminates in a frenzy of confusion as efforts to control the marriage decisions backfire, ultimately revealing the folly of trying to manipulate personal desires and relationships.
The Double Widowing
"The Double Widowing" by Charles Rivière Dufresny is a comedic play written in the early 18th century. The story revolves around the intrigues of characters dealing with themes of love, deception, and societal expectations in the context of marriage and widowhood. The plot unfolds in the luxurious setting of a Countess's country house, where misunderstandings and manipulations lead to a series of humorous situations involving a widow, her deceased husband, and various suitors. In the play, the plot thickens as the widow Mrs. Bramble, believing herself to be free and in mourning, unknowingly becomes the target of a scheme designed by the Countess to orchestrate marriages for the younger characters. Mr. Bramble, her husband, is alive but is led to believe that he is the widower of his own faked death, complicating matters further. Desmond, the nephew of Mr. Bramble, is in love with Arabella, Mrs. Bramble's niece, and their secret amorous plans become intertwined with the Countess's manipulations. The humor is driven by the misunderstandings and mistaken identities that arise from the characters' unfulfilled desires and the farcical twists that ultimately lead to a mix of love, comedy, and a breakdown of social pretenses, culminating in a chaotic but joyful resolution.
The Forfeiture
"The Forfeiture" by Charles Rivière Dufresny is a comedic play written in the early 18th century, reflecting the theatrical style of the French Enlightenment period. The narrative revolves around themes of love, family obligations, and the often absurd social conventions regarding marriage and inheritance. Set against the backdrop of a young couple's struggles, the play humorously explores the complex dynamics between relatives and the societal pressures that influence personal relationships. The story primarily follows Valere and Isabelle, who are in love but face opposition from Isabelle's two aunts, Belise and Araminte. The aunts have sworn never to marry, which jeopardizes Valere's hope for restitution from them, as their marriage would lead to an inheritance for him. Valere's clever valet, Frontin, devises a plan to manipulate the aunts by pretending to be suitors, using different identities to charm them and ultimately secure both their fortunes and his master's romance. As various misunderstandings and deceptions unfold, the play culminates in a comedic resolution where the aunts are confronted with their own hypocrisy regarding love and marriage, paving the way for Valere and Isabelle's future together.