Summary: The Country Wife (William Wycherley)

"The Country Wife" is a classic comedy of manners written by English playwright William Wycherley. First performed in 1675 during the Restoration period, this satirical play offers a sharp and witty critique of the social mores and sexual politics of its time. With its clever wordplay, ribald humor, and a cast of memorable characters, "The Country Wife" remains a significant work in the canon of Restoration comedy.

"The Country Wife" revolves around the escapades and intrigues of the protagonist, Horner, a witty and cynical man who feigns impotence to gain access to the wives of London's upper-class gentlemen. Horner's reputation as a eunuch grants him entry into the inner circles of society, where he becomes the confidant of husbands who trust him with their wives.

Meanwhile, Margery Pinchwife, the titular "country wife," arrives in London as a naive and innocent bride, unaware of the city's debauchery. Her husband, Pinchwife, is overprotective and goes to great lengths to shield her from the city's lecherous men. However, when Margery becomes friends with Horner, thinking him harmless due to his impotence, the stage is set for a series of comedic misunderstandings and deceptions.

As the plot unfolds, various characters, including Pinchwife's sister Alithea, her suitor Sparkish, and the witty Lady Fidget, become entangled in a web of romantic and sexual intrigue. The play explores themes of jealousy, deception, and the hypocrisy of the upper classes, all against the backdrop of the bawdy and licentious world of 17th-century London.

Through clever wordplay, double entendres, and farcical situations, "The Country Wife" satirizes the superficiality and moral decadence of Restoration society. It's a comedy that challenges societal norms and highlights the absurdity of the characters' actions, ultimately delivering a sharp critique of the manners and morals of its time.