The Country Wife

Definition

The Country Wife is a comedy play written by William Wycherley, first performed in 1675, which satirizes the sexual politics and social dynamics of Restoration England. The play revolves around the themes of deception, infidelity, and the clash between urban and rural values, serving as a reflection of the libertine culture that emerged after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Through its witty dialogue and complex characters, The Country Wife explores the tensions between appearance and reality in relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The character of Horner in The Country Wife pretends to be impotent to gain access to the wives of other men without raising suspicion, highlighting themes of deception.
2. The play was controversial at the time for its frank treatment of sexual relationships and its challenge to traditional gender roles.
3. The use of disguises and mistaken identities is a common comedic device in The Country Wife, driving much of the plot's intrigue.
4. The Country Wife reflects the cultural shift towards greater sexual freedom and openness that characterized the Restoration era following years of Puritan rule.
5. Wycherley's work is notable for its sharp social commentary and criticism of the moral hypocrisies within the upper classes during the late 17th century.

Review Questions

• How does The Country Wife reflect the social dynamics and attitudes towards marriage and fidelity in Restoration England?
  • The Country Wife reflects the social dynamics of Restoration England by showcasing a world where marriage is often viewed as a transactional arrangement rather than a romantic union. The characters engage in various schemes to deceive each other about their true intentions, which emphasizes the lax moral standards of the time. This satirical portrayal highlights how fidelity is undermined by self-interest and societal pressures, revealing the complexities of human relationships during this period.
• Discuss how Wycherley uses humor and satire to critique societal norms in The Country Wife.
  • Wycherley employs humor and satire in The Country Wife to critique societal norms by highlighting the absurdities and contradictions in human behavior. The witty dialogue serves to expose the hypocrisy of characters who outwardly adhere to societal expectations while engaging in illicit affairs behind closed doors. By depicting characters like Horner who manipulate perceptions for personal gain, Wycherley encourages audiences to question the integrity of social conventions and moral values prevalent during his time.
• Evaluate the significance of deception as a central theme in The Country Wife and its implications for understanding relationships in the Restoration era.
  • Deception is a central theme in The Country Wife that significantly impacts our understanding of relationships in the Restoration era. Through characters like Horner, who feigns impotence to navigate societal constraints, Wycherley illustrates how individuals manipulate appearances to pursue their desires. This theme underscores a broader commentary on trust and authenticity within interpersonal relationships during a time when moral boundaries were being redefined. The play's exploration of deception ultimately reveals how personal agency often conflicts with societal expectations, shaping human connections in complex ways.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A genre of English comedy that emerged during the Restoration period, characterized by its focus on wit, sexual intrigue, and often featuring rakes, coquettes, and other morally ambiguous characters.

Wit: A form of intelligent humor that showcases cleverness and quick thinking, often employed in Restoration comedies to create sharp dialogue and highlight social satire.

Rake: A term used to describe a dissolute man who pursues a life of pleasure, often characterized by sexual promiscuity and a disregard for social conventions, frequently appearing as a central figure in Restoration plays.