Richard Brinsley Sheridan
The Rivals: A Comedy
"The Rivals: A Comedy" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is a comedy of manners first performed in 1775. Set in fashionable Bath, the play follows young Jack Absolute who disguises himself as a poor soldier to win the heart of Lydia Languish, a wealthy heiress infatuated with romantic novels. Complications arise from Lydia's word-mangling guardian Mrs. Malaprop, rival suitors, and misdelivered love letters, leading to misunderstandings, quarrels, and an impending duel that threatens to expose Jack's deception.