The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume IV

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27273

Title

The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume IV

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A Restoration comedy of intrigue, *Sir Patient Fancy* satirizes hypochondria, marital deceit, and social pretension. Aphra Behn weaves a farcical plot of mistaken identities and double-crosses, offering sharp wit and enduring humor that challenges the era's moral strictures.

Summary up to 500 words

In Aphra Behn's Restoration comedy *Sir Patient Fancy*, the narrative centers on the chaotic domestic life of Sir Patient Fancy, a hypochondriacal and uxorious alderman. His marriage to the beautiful but unfaithful Lucia is fraught with tension, as she secretly maintains an affair with the gallant Charles Wittmore. Sir Patient's excessive jealousy and prudishness create a volatile environment, further complicated by the romantic entanglements of his family. His stepdaughter, Isabella, is betrothed to the pedantic Lodwick, while his daughter, Lucretia, defies her mother's wishes to pursue Leander, the alderman's nephew, despite being promised to a country knight. The plot unfolds through a series of misunderstandings and deceptions typical of the genre. A noisy fanfare and serenades disrupt the household, leading Sir Patient to believe he is dying under the manipulation of doctors and servants. In a climactic test of loyalty, he feigns death; however, Lucia's immediate shift in demeanor upon being left alone with Wittmore exposes her duplicity. The chaos escalates with mistaken identities, including a case where Isabella is accidentally escorted to Lucia's chamber while Wittmore mistakes her for his mistress. Ultimately, the play resolves with a heartwarming transformation. Sir Patient forgives his family, discarding his rigid persona to embrace the role of a 'town gallant.' The lovers are united, and the household finds harmony. Heavily influenced by Molière, particularly *Le Malade Imaginaire*, Behn skillfully adapts foreign plots into original, irresistible humor. The work satirizes the pretensions of the medical profession and the absurdities of romantic intrigue, showcasing Behn's ability to invest borrowed material with wit and vitality. As noted in the text, while critics detected her borrowings, the play's success relied on the extraordinary performances of actors like Betterton and Leigh, cementing its place as an excellent comedy of the era.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Drama