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Impostors and imposture -- Drama Books
Best books
Hannah Cowley
A Bold Stroke for a Husband: A Comedy in Five Acts
"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.
Cornelius Shea
Look out for paint: A farce comedy in three acts
"Look Out For Paint: A Farce Comedy in Three Acts" by Cornelius Shea is a humorous play, likely penned in the early 20th century. This comedic work features a cast of characters revolving around the misadventures of a city boarder on a farm and explores themes of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements. The play is set in the relatively recent past, specifically during its time of writing, to engage with contemporary societal norms. The storyline unfolds at "High Up Farm," where Hiram Rodney runs the family farm and prepares for summer boarders. A comedic mix arises with the arrival of various characters, including Hiram's daughter Helen and a city girl named Hattie Renwick, who has come hoping to find a husband. Complications ensue when an artist, Percy Heartache, and a tramp, Trotwell Roamer, get entangled in the farce as Hattie mistakenly believes she has a romantic connection with Percy through correspondence. As characters evince misunderstandings and comedic twists, the climax reveals a series of humorous pursuits that lead to an unexpected resolution, capturing the playful essence of farce while commenting on love and social dynamics.
Molière
Le médecin malgré lui
"Le médecin malgré lui" by Molière is a three-act comedy first performed in 1666. When a woodcutter beats his wife, she takes revenge by convincing two servants that he's an eccentric doctor who refuses to admit his medical talents unless beaten with a stick. Forced into the role of physician, he must now treat a young woman who has mysteriously lost her speech. This farcical tale blends slapstick humor with sharp satire of medical charlatanism and human credulity.
Molière
Lääkäri vastoin tahtoansa: Kolminäytöksinen komedia
"Lääkäri vastoin tahtoansa: Kolminäytöksinen komedia" by Molière is a three-act comedy written during the 17th century. This play satirizes the medical profession and societal norms surrounding love, marriage, and authority, revealing the absurdities of human behavior through humor. The narrative unfolds in a light-hearted manner while also prompting reflections on personal agency and societal expectations. The plot centers around Geronte, a father who wishes to marry off his mute daughter, Lucinde, to a wealthy suitor, despite her love for Leandre. Sganarelle, the unwilling doctor, becomes a pawn in the plans of others, as he is humorously forced into the role of a physician despite his utter lack of medical knowledge. The comedic tension escalates as Sganarelle's absurdity is met with the determination of Leandre and Lucinde to be together. Amidst misunderstandings and farcical situations, the play highlights the conflict between parental authority and youthful desire, ultimately leading to the triumph of love over societal constraints.
Eugène Scribe
Ensimmäinen rakkaus: Komedia yhdessä näytöksessä
"Ensimmäinen rakkaus: Komedia yhdessä näytöksessä" by Eugène Scribe is a comedic stage play written during the 19th century. The work centers around themes of first love, familial relationships, and societal expectations, displaying the emotional turmoil faced by its characters in a light-hearted manner typical of the era. The story follows young Emeli, who is caught in a dilemma between her promise to her childhood love, Kaarlo, and the impending marriage negotiations her father, Morli, has begun with another suitor named Ahola. As the plot unfolds, misunderstandings and hidden identities add to the comedic tension, leading to a series of revelations about loyalty, love, and personal freedom. Emeli's steadfast devotion to Kaarlo is tested when he unexpectedly re-enters her life, leading to a confrontation over their past promises. Ultimately, the play highlights the struggles between individual desires and familial duties, wrapped in humor and engaging dialogue.
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