Subject
Women -- Drama Books
Best books
John Maddison Morton
Betsy Baker! or, Too Attentive by Half; A Farce, in One Act
"Betsy Baker! or, Too Attentive by Half; A Farce, in One Act" by John Maddison Morton is a comedic play written in the mid-19th century. The work falls under the category of farce, a theatrical genre characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations. Through its lighthearted and humorous nature, the play explores themes of love, jealousy, and the complexities of marital relationships, particularly focusing on the dynamics between husbands and wives. The plot revolves around Mr. Marmaduke Mouser, who is overly attentive to his wife, Mrs. Anastasia Mouser, to the point of suffocation. Their cousin, Mr. Crummy, realizes that this excessive affection is causing distress to Mrs. Mouser and devises a scheme to ignite her jealousy by suggesting that Mr. Mouser should fall in love with the laundress, Betsy Baker. As the farce unfolds, misunderstandings ensue, leading to a comical chase involving multiple characters. Meanwhile, Betsy becomes entangled in the plot, but as the comedy progresses, she asserts her own desires, ultimately revealing the absurdity of Crummy's plan. The play concludes with a humorous resolution that highlights the importance of balance in relationships and ends in a light-hearted manner as characters come together to celebrate their newfound understanding.
Samuel Eberly Gross
The Merchant Prince of Cornville: A Comedy
"The Merchant Prince of Cornville: A Comedy" by Samuel Eberly Gross is a theatrical comedy written in the late 19th century. This engaging play offers a mix of romance, idealism, and commentary on materialism, focusing on the character of Hercules Whetstone, a wealthy merchant and mayor who seeks to win the heart of the refined Violet. The narrative juxtaposes lofty ideals with the mundane realities of wealth and love in a whimsical manner that characterizes the comedic style of its time. At the start of the play, the audience is introduced to the idyllic setting of an orchard by the sea, where the poet Ideal and the charming Violet engage in playful and flirtatious banter, hinting at deeper themes of romantic aspiration and poetic fancy. As the scene unfolds, it becomes clear that Violet is not only charming but also weary of proposals related solely to wealth, as she is introduced to her suitor, Whetstone. The characters provide a lively commentary on the values of their society, including discussions of love entwined with commerce and the pursuit of happiness amidst material concerns, setting the stage for a tale rich in humor and romantic entanglements.
Alfred Sutro
Mollentrave on Women: A comedy in three acts
"Mollentrave on Women: A Comedy in Three Acts" by Alfred Sutro is a play written in the early 20th century. This comedic narrative revolves around the character Mr. Mollentrave, who engages in a witty exploration of women's complexities. As the title suggests, the central theme touches upon the dynamics of love and relationships, often through humorous interactions among various characters. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Sir Joseph Balsted, a barrister, and several other characters as they engage in lighthearted banter about relationships and societal norms. The scene unfolds in Sir Joseph's study, where Miss Treable, his ward's companion, and Mrs. Martelli, the housekeeper, bicker about the household's dynamics. This dialogue serves to highlight the comedic undertones of social expectations and misunderstandings, which set the stage for Mollentrave's insights on love and the expectations placed on women. In this opening portion, we see the character tensions and how the arrival of Mr. Mollentrave will likely complicate matters of the heart among the cast.
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