If seventeenth- and eighteenth-century comedy differ in that the formeris about sex (and adultery actually happens) while the latter is aboutlove (and adultery is merely threatened); then Congreve - writing atthe turn of the century - occupies a phase of transition. Mirabell isno saint; but he deserves the title of hero for masterminding theaction with the same wit and humanity with which the dramatist designedthe play. Mirabell is both financially and amorously interested in theskittish Millamant; who declares that she might; with certain provisos;dwindle into a wife. The introduction to this edition clarifies theplaywrights and his characters highly intricate plotting and arguesthat the key metaphor of the play is card-playing; in which fortune;cunning; concealment and a high trump drawn from the sleeve at theright moment will win the game - and the heiress.
#4059560 in eBooks 2014-05-22 2014-05-22File Name: B00KI71A3G
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting and worthy account of the period although views and ...By Stewart ChapmanInteresting and worthy account of the period although views and approach did not always appropriate . Australia music of this nature
