The Country Wife
What is The Country Wife about?
The Country Wife (1675) is William Wycherley’s masterpiece, one of the most brilliant and controversial comedies of the Restoration stage. The rake Horner spreads a rumor that he has been rendered impotent by a venereal disease, allowing him to gain unchaperoned access to the wives of London’s most jealous husbands. Meanwhile, the naive Margery Pinchwife, newly arrived from the country, discovers the pleasures of London society despite her possessive husband’s attempts to control her. Wycherley’s comedy exposes the rampant sexual hypocrisy of fashionable society with wit, energy, and provocative frankness.
Main themes in The Country Wife
Sexual hypocrisy
The presence of sexual hypocrisy in The Country Wife connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Restoration comedy
The theme of restoration comedy weaves through The Country Wife, adding depth to its narrative.
Social satire
In The Country Wife, social satire provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Marriage and infidelity
Marriage and infidelity emerges as a defining element in The Country Wife, shaping character development.
Why The Country Wife is still relevant today
The Country Wife is one of the greatest English comedies, a masterclass in comic construction and social satire. Its exploration of sexual hypocrisy remains as provocative and entertaining as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Country Wife about?
A rake pretends to be impotent to seduce London wives, while a naive country bride discovers the pleasures of the city—a brilliant comedy of sexual hypocrisy.
Is The Country Wife appropriate for all audiences?
It contains frank sexual content typical of Restoration comedy. It is intended for adult audiences.
Is The Country Wife difficult to read?
The dialogue is witty and fast-paced. Some Restoration idioms may require footnotes, but the comedy is immediately accessible.
Where can I read The Country Wife free?
You can read the full text free on TextStack.