The Country Wife

Definition

The Country Wife is a Restoration comedy written by William Wycherley, first performed in 1675. The play explores themes of sexual politics, deception, and social norms through the story of a country woman, Margery Pinchwife, who becomes entangled in the urban world of London and its libertine culture. This work is significant for its witty dialogue and critique of contemporary societal values, reflecting the restoration era's emphasis on the complexities of love and marriage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The play centers around Margery Pinchwife, who is naïve and becomes the target of manipulation by the libertine characters in London.
2. The title character symbolizes both innocence and sexual awakening as she navigates the complexities of urban life contrasted with her rural upbringing.
3. The use of disguises and mistaken identities is prevalent throughout the play, highlighting themes of deception and the fluidity of social roles.
4. Wycherley's sharp wit and satirical approach critique not only sexual mores but also the rigid social structures of the time.
5. The Country Wife is considered one of the quintessential examples of Restoration comedy due to its bold treatment of sexuality and critique of marriage.

Review Questions

• How does 'The Country Wife' reflect the characteristics of Restoration comedy through its characters and plot structure?
  • 'The Country Wife' embodies key features of Restoration comedy through its focus on sexual intrigue and societal norms. The characters engage in witty banter and cunning deception, particularly evident in Margery's interactions with her husband and other suitors. The plot's twists highlight the clash between innocence and experience, showcasing how urban life can corrupt traditional values. Overall, Wycherley uses humor to navigate serious themes while entertaining the audience.
• Discuss the role of Margery Pinchwife in challenging or reinforcing societal views on women during the Restoration period.
  • Margery Pinchwife plays a complex role that both challenges and reinforces societal views on women in the Restoration period. Initially depicted as naive and under her husband's control, she gradually asserts her agency through her interactions with male characters. As she navigates a male-dominated society, Margery's experiences reflect the tensions between women's innocence and their emerging desires for autonomy. Her character illustrates how women were often viewed as objects of desire while simultaneously critiquing these perceptions through her eventual empowerment.
• Evaluate how 'The Country Wife' uses satire to comment on marriage and sexual politics in Restoration England, particularly regarding the concept of fidelity.
  • 'The Country Wife' utilizes satire to expose the hypocrisy surrounding marriage and fidelity in Restoration England. Wycherley cleverly juxtaposes Margery's innocent perspective with the libertine attitudes of other characters who engage in deceitful behavior. By portraying marriage as a contract often based on manipulation rather than love, the play critiques traditional views on fidelity. The exaggerated portrayals of infidelity serve to highlight societal contradictions, revealing how personal desires often conflict with public expectations, thus making a powerful statement about sexual politics during this time.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy:

A genre of English comedy that emerged after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, characterized by its focus on sexual intrigue, witty dialogue, and often scandalous plots.

Libertinism: A philosophical and social movement advocating for freedom in sexual expression and behavior, often associated with the hedonistic lifestyle prevalent in Restoration England.

Satire:

A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms, individuals, or institutions, commonly employed in Restoration literature to expose hypocrisy.