The ReformationThe Reformation (1673), attributed to Joseph Arrowsmith, is an amusing satire on the libertine manners of the Stuart court. A group of young men in Venice set up a society to reform sexual mores “à la mode d’Angleterre” and liberate women from the tyranny of fathers and husbands. Described by a contemporary critic as “the Reverse to the Laws of Morality and Virtue”, the play was quickly withdrawn from the stage. The comedy also offers a burlesque portrait of Poet Laureate John Dryden, poking fun at his critical opinions and dramatic production. This is the firts critical edition of the play. The editors place it in its social and cultural context and present a fully annotated text, which enables today’s reader to enjoy and understand Arrowsmith’s lively picture of Restoration life. |
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According ANTONIO Arrowsmith begin believe better CAMILLO cause characters Church comedy comes common court criticism dance Dryden edition EMILIA England English Enter Exit faith fashion father French friends gallants gentlemen give half hand hear heaven honour hope humour husband I'll ISMENA Italy JULIANA keep kind ladies language LEANDRO leave LELIA Library live London look LYSANDER madam MARIANA marry matter mean meet ne'er never Nurse once PACHECO PEDRO performed person PISAURO play poet poor Pray prithee promise reference Reformation Restoration satire Scene sister song soon speak stage story success sure talk tell theatre thee there's thing thou thought true TUTOR University Venice wife woman women write young