The Scornful Lady By: John Fletcher (1579-1625)
The Scornful Lady by John Fletcher is a delightful comedic play that captivates readers with its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and complex characters. Set in seventeenth-century England, the story explores the themes of love, pride, and redemption. The protagonist, the scornful lady herself, is an intriguing and strong-willed character who refuses to succumb to the societal expectations of her time. Her sharp tongue and disdain for romantic advances make her both endearing and frustrating, creating a compelling tension throughout the narrative. As the plot unfolds, we witness her transformation from a seemingly heartless woman to someone capable of love and forgiveness. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed and adds depth to the story. Fletcher skillfully weaves together a range of personalities, including the romantic suitor, the foolish knave, the wise confidante, and the mischievous jester, creating a tapestry of diverse and engaging individuals. Their interactions are both hilarious and thought-provoking, as they navigate through a series of mistaken identities, secret trysts, and unexpected alliances. What truly sets this play apart is Fletcher's masterful use of language. The dialogue is filled with sharp wit, poetic banter, and clever wordplay, bringing the vibrant characters to life. The playwright's skillful blending of comedy and romance keeps readers engaged from beginning to end, with every scene offering a new surprise or twist. Furthermore, the play's exploration of love and pride speaks to universal human emotions. Through the experiences of its characters, The Scornful Lady teaches valuable lessons about the consequences of arrogance and the transformative power of love and humility. This moral depth, combined with the play's lighthearted and humorous tone, makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, The Scornful Lady is a delightful and engaging play that offers a unique blend of wit, humor, and emotion. John Fletcher's skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters make this a compelling read for lovers of comedy and romance alike. It is a timeless piece of literature that continues to entertain and resonate with audiences centuries after its initial publication. First Page: THE SCORNFUL LADY, A COMEDY. Persons Represented in the Play. Elder Loveless, a Sutor to the Lady . Young Loveless, a Prodigal . Savil, Steward to Elder Loveless. Lady and ) Martha, ) Two Sisters . Younglove, or Abigal, a waiting Gentlewoman . Welford, a Sutor to the Lady . Sir Roger, Curate to the Lady . (Captain ) (Travailer ) Hangers on to Young Loveless. (Poet ) (Tabaco man ) Wenches . Fidlers . Morecraft, an Usurer . A Rich Widow . Attendants . Actus primus. Scena prima. Enter the two Lovelesses, Savil the Steward, and a Page . Elder Love . Brother, is your last hope past to mollifie Morecrafts heart about your Morgage? Young Love . Hopelesly past: I have presented the Usurer with a richer draught than ever Cleopatra swallowed; he hath suckt in ten thousand pounds worth of my Land, more than he paid for at a gulp, without Trumpets. El. Lo . I have as hard a task to perform in this house. Yo. Lo. Faith mine was to make an Usurer honest, or to lose my Land. El. Lo. And mine is to perswade a passionate woman, or to leave the Land. Make the boat stay, I fear I shall begin my unfortunate journey this night, though the darkness of the night and the roughness of the waters might easily disswade an unwilling man... Continue reading book >>

The Scornful Lady By: John Fletcher (1579-1625)

The Scornful Lady by John Fletcher is a delightful comedic play that captivates readers with its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and complex characters. Set in seventeenth-century England, the story explores the themes of love, pride, and redemption.

The protagonist, the scornful lady herself, is an intriguing and strong-willed character who refuses to succumb to the societal expectations of her time. Her sharp tongue and disdain for romantic advances make her both endearing and frustrating, creating a compelling tension throughout the narrative. As the plot unfolds, we witness her transformation from a seemingly heartless woman to someone capable of love and forgiveness.

The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed and adds depth to the story. Fletcher skillfully weaves together a range of personalities, including the romantic suitor, the foolish knave, the wise confidante, and the mischievous jester, creating a tapestry of diverse and engaging individuals. Their interactions are both hilarious and thought-provoking, as they navigate through a series of mistaken identities, secret trysts, and unexpected alliances.

What truly sets this play apart is Fletcher's masterful use of language. The dialogue is filled with sharp wit, poetic banter, and clever wordplay, bringing the vibrant characters to life. The playwright's skillful blending of comedy and romance keeps readers engaged from beginning to end, with every scene offering a new surprise or twist.

Furthermore, the play's exploration of love and pride speaks to universal human emotions. Through the experiences of its characters, The Scornful Lady teaches valuable lessons about the consequences of arrogance and the transformative power of love and humility. This moral depth, combined with the play's lighthearted and humorous tone, makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, The Scornful Lady is a delightful and engaging play that offers a unique blend of wit, humor, and emotion. John Fletcher's skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters make this a compelling read for lovers of comedy and romance alike. It is a timeless piece of literature that continues to entertain and resonate with audiences centuries after its initial publication.

First Page:

THE SCORNFUL LADY,

A COMEDY.

Persons Represented in the Play.

Elder Loveless, a Sutor to the Lady . Young Loveless, a Prodigal . Savil, Steward to Elder Loveless. Lady and ) Martha, ) Two Sisters . Younglove, or Abigal, a waiting Gentlewoman . Welford, a Sutor to the Lady . Sir Roger, Curate to the Lady . (Captain ) (Travailer ) Hangers on to Young Loveless. (Poet ) (Tabaco man ) Wenches . Fidlers . Morecraft, an Usurer . A Rich Widow . Attendants .

Actus primus. Scena prima.

Enter the two Lovelesses, Savil the Steward, and a Page .

Elder Love . Brother, is your last hope past to mollifie Morecrafts heart about your Morgage?

Young Love . Hopelesly past: I have presented the Usurer with a richer draught than ever Cleopatra swallowed; he hath suckt in ten thousand pounds worth of my Land, more than he paid for at a gulp, without Trumpets.

El. Lo . I have as hard a task to perform in this house.

Yo. Lo. Faith mine was to make an Usurer honest, or to lose my Land.

El. Lo. And mine is to perswade a passionate woman, or to leave the Land. Make the boat stay, I fear I shall begin my unfortunate journey this night, though the darkness of the night and the roughness of the waters might easily disswade an unwilling man... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – John Fletcher
Wikipedia – The Scornful Lady

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