The Works of John Marston. Volume 3

by John Marston

"The Works of John Marston. Volume 3" by John Marston is a collection of plays and poetry written in the early 17th century. This volume encompasses several works, with the first being "Eastward Ho," which features a mix of humorous and serious themes around social status, ambition, and moral consequences. It follows the intertwined lives of characters such as the goldsmith Touchstone, his daughters Gertrude and Mildred, and the scornful knight Sir Petronel Flash, illuminating contrasts between ambition and humility. The opening of the volume begins with a brief introduction to the play "Eastward Ho," setting the stage for a comedic exploration of the lives of a goldsmith, his apprentices, and the social dynamics in London. Touchstone is portrayed as a grounded figure, often wrestling with the extravagant ambitions of his daughter Gertrude, who is eager to elevate her status through marriage. The scene introduces a lively banter among the characters, with Quicksilver, one of the apprentices, embodying the reckless pursuit of gaiety and fortune. The relationships among Touchstone, his daughters, and the suitors create an atmosphere rich with humour, foreshadowing the conflicts born from their various aspirations and vices. The interplay hints at deeper themes of societal expectations, personal ambition, and the comedic folly of misguided desires.