The Country Wife

Definition

The Country Wife is a Restoration comedy written by William Wycherley, first performed in 1675, known for its satirical portrayal of marriage and sexual politics in 17th-century England. The play features themes of deceit, desire, and the nature of love, highlighting the contrasts between rural innocence and urban sophistication through its characters and their interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The character of Margery, the titular 'Country Wife,' embodies a blend of innocence and cunning, using her perceived simplicity to navigate the complexities of urban society.
2. The play critiques the institution of marriage by showcasing the hypocrisy and infidelity of its male characters, particularly through the figure of Horner, who uses deceit to seduce women.
3. William Wycherley's sharp wit and comedic style set The Country Wife apart from other plays of its time, making it a staple of Restoration literature.
4. The use of double entendres and sexual innuendos in The Country Wife reflects the era's fascination with sexual freedom and moral ambiguity.
5. The Country Wife remains significant in theatrical history for its frank exploration of sexual themes and relationships, paving the way for more modern portrayals of gender dynamics.

Review Questions

• How does The Country Wife reflect the themes of Restoration comedy through its characters and plot?
  • The Country Wife exemplifies Restoration comedy through its use of sharp wit and satirical elements, particularly in its character dynamics. The play portrays the duplicitous nature of urban society through characters like Horner, who embodies both charm and deceit. Additionally, Margery’s role as the 'Country Wife' contrasts innocence with cunning manipulation, showcasing how characters navigate societal expectations. This interplay reveals deeper insights into marriage and desire, which are central themes in Restoration comedic works.
• Discuss how Wycherley's characterization in The Country Wife serves to critique societal norms regarding marriage and fidelity.
  • Wycherley’s characterization in The Country Wife is instrumental in critiquing societal norms surrounding marriage and fidelity. Characters such as Horner manipulate societal expectations to pursue their desires while disguising their true intentions. This critique is evident in how Margery’s perceived simplicity allows her to subvert male dominance, ultimately challenging traditional gender roles. By exposing the hypocrisy inherent in these social norms, Wycherley invites the audience to question the authenticity of relationships portrayed on stage.
• Evaluate the impact of The Country Wife on the evolution of comedic theatre and its relevance to contemporary discussions about gender and sexuality.
  • The Country Wife significantly impacted comedic theatre by pushing boundaries regarding sexual themes and gender roles, establishing a precedent for future playwrights. Its candid exploration of desire and fidelity resonates with contemporary discussions about gender dynamics and sexual politics. By portraying women as both subjects and agents within their narratives, Wycherley paved the way for more complex female characters in later works. This evolution reflects ongoing societal conversations about autonomy and morality in relationships, underscoring the play’s enduring relevance today.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A genre of English comedy that emerged after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, characterized by its focus on wit, sexual intrigue, and social satire.

Characterization: The way in which authors convey information about their characters' personalities, motivations, and relationships to enhance the narrative.

Social Satire: A literary technique used to criticize societal norms and behaviors through humor, irony, or exaggeration, often found in Restoration comedies.