Subject
French drama (Comedy) -- 18th century Books
Best books
Charles Rivière Dufresny
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.
Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
Sevillan parturi eli Turha varovaisuus: Komedia neljässä näytöksessä
"Sevillan parturi eli Turha varovaisuus" by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais is a comedic play likely written in the late 18th century. This work revolves around themes of love, deception, and the clever machinations of its central characters, particularly Figaro, the witty barber and schemer, who aids Count Almaviva in winning the heart of Rosina, the ward of the jealous doctor Bartholo. The play is filled with humorous dialogue and situations that highlight the social dynamics of the time. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Count Almaviva, who is infatuated with Rosina, but he must disguise his identity to pursue her without arousing the suspicions of her guardian, Bartholo. Figaro, the barber, soon enters, bringing his exuberant personality and clever wit into the mix. The opening scenes unfold in the streets of Seville, revealing Almaviva's plans and Figaro’s enthusiasm for helping him succeed in his romantic pursuits. The characters’ interactions set the stage for a lively plot filled with schemes, misunderstandings, and comic relief, establishing a foundation for the subsequent comedic events.
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