A Bold Stroke for a Husband: A Comedy in Five Acts

by Hannah Cowley

"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.