The Country Wife

Wycherley's comedy of marriage and infidelity is accompanied by a new introduction which illuminates matters of language and of dramatic and theatrical artistry for readers, theatre-goers and play-makers. The Country Wife is shown to surpass much Restoration comedy in structural and thematic unity by counterpointing the principals' attitudes on sex and marriage. Although the plot is episodic and portrays multiple sets of lovers, Wycherley succeeds in evolving a 'clear dramatic line.