Who is Margery Pinchwife and what role does her naivety play in the plot?

Margery Pinchwife is the young, unworldly wife of Mr. Pinchwife, brought from the country to London. Her innocence and lack of social graces, ironically, make her more susceptible to Horner's advances, as she doesn't understand the societal rules and deceptions that protect other women, leading to her blatant expressions of affection for him.

Describe the character of Mr. Pinchwife and his attempts to control his wife.

Mr. Pinchwife is an aging, possessive husband who tries to shield his young wife, Margery, from the corrupting influences of London society and other men. His extreme jealousy leads him to disguise her as a boy and even attempt to force her to write incriminating letters, ultimately highlighting his own paranoia and the futility of his control.

What is the 'china scene' and why is it a famous moment in the play?

The 'china scene' involves Lady Fidget's clandestine meetings with Horner, where she pretends to be discussing or acquiring valuable china. This euphemism cleverly masks their sexual encounters, making it a famous example of Restoration comedy's use of double entendre and satire to comment on societal hypocrisy regarding adultery.

How does the play resolve the various romantic entanglements and deceptions?

The play concludes with a grand deception where Dr. Quack and Alithea's maid confirm Horner's feigned impotence, convincing the husbands that their wives are safe. Margery Pinchwife ultimately escapes her husband's control, declaring her love for Horner, while Alithea marries Harcourt, leaving Horner to continue his libertine ways, albeit with renewed caution.

What is the significance of the title, 'The Country Wife,' beyond Margery Pinchwife?

While Margery is the literal 'country wife,' the title also subtly refers to the idea of innocence or naturalness being exposed to, and corrupted by, the sophisticated yet immoral city. It highlights the contrast between rural simplicity and urban artifice, suggesting that even 'country wives' can succumb to or embrace London's vices.

Are there any clues early in the play that hint at Horner's true intentions and the success of his deception?

Horner's opening soliloquy explicitly states his plan to feign impotence and mocks those who will believe it. His immediate success in gaining the trust of Sir Jaspar Fidget and Mr. Pinchwife, who openly discuss their wives' virtue in front of him, foreshadows how easily society will fall for his ruse.

What is the underlying connection between Mr. Pinchwife's jealousy and Horner's deception?

Mr. Pinchwife's excessive jealousy and attempts to isolate Margery inadvertently make her more curious and vulnerable to Horner. Horner's deception thrives on the very male paranoia exemplified by Pinchwife; by appearing harmless, he bypasses the defenses built by jealous husbands, proving their attempts at control are ultimately self-defeating.

How does the character of Sparkish function as a foil to other characters like Harcourt?

Sparkish, obsessed with appearing witty and fashionable, acts as a foil to Harcourt's genuine wit and sincere affection for Alithea. Sparkish's superficiality and eagerness to show off his fiancée actually help Harcourt win Alithea's heart, as Sparkish is too self-absorbed to notice Harcourt's advances or Alithea's growing disdain for him.

Analyze the psychological motivations behind Horner's elaborate deception.

Horner's deception is driven by a desire for sexual conquest and a cynical view of human nature, particularly the hypocrisy of London society. He seeks to expose the superficial morality of 'virtuous' ladies and the blindness of jealous husbands, gaining pleasure not just from the act itself, but from the successful manipulation and subversion of social norms.

Discuss the psychological impact of Mr. Pinchwife's possessiveness on Margery.

Mr. Pinchwife's extreme possessiveness and attempts to control Margery psychologically backfire. Instead of making her chaste, his actions ignite her curiosity and rebellion, pushing her directly into the arms of Horner. Her confinement makes the allure of freedom and forbidden pleasure even stronger, driving her to defiance rather than obedience.

What does the 'china scene' reveal about the psychology of the 'virtuous' ladies like Lady Fidget?

The 'china scene' reveals the profound hypocrisy and self-deception of the 'virtuous' ladies. Psychologically, they desire illicit pleasure but must maintain a facade of respectability. Their use of euphemism allows them to compartmentalize their actions, preserving their self-image as honorable while actively engaging in adultery, demonstrating a complex blend of desire and social anxiety.

How does Alithea's decision to marry Harcourt instead of Sparkish reflect a psychological shift?

Alithea's initial commitment to Sparkish, despite his flaws, is rooted in a sense of duty and perhaps a fear of social disapproval. Her eventual choice of Harcourt signifies a psychological shift towards valuing genuine affection, sincerity, and intellectual compatibility over superficial social standing and obligations, demonstrating a preference for true connection over societal expectations.

Is Horner a hero or a villain in the context of Restoration comedy?

Horner is typically viewed as an anti-hero. While his methods are morally dubious, he often serves as a satirical instrument, exposing the hypocrisy and foolishness of others. In the amoral landscape of Restoration comedy, his cleverness and success in navigating societal deceptions often position him as a character to be admired for his wit, even if not for his ethics.

Does the play ultimately condemn or condone the adulterous behavior it depicts?

The play largely satirizes rather than condemns adulterous behavior, particularly by the upper classes. It exposes the hypocrisy and folly of those who pretend to virtue while engaging in vice, and those who foolishly try to prevent it. While it doesn't explicitly condone adultery, it presents it as an inevitable outcome of societal repression and superficial morality, often rewarding the cleverest deceivers.

What is the play's message about female agency and freedom in 17th-century London society?

'The Country Wife' presents a complex view of female agency. While women like Lady Fidget find freedom in deception, and Margery eventually asserts her desires, their agency is often exercised within the confines of a patriarchal society, requiring cunning and manipulation. The play suggests that true freedom for women was severely limited, often only achievable through subversive means.

How does the play's ending contribute to its satirical commentary on marriage and societal norms?

The ending, with Horner's deception maintained and most characters either oblivious or accepting of the status quo, offers a cynical commentary on marriage and societal norms. It suggests that marriage is often a facade, built on delusion and deception, and that true virtue is less valued than the appearance of it. The social order is preserved, but only through a collective act of blindness.

Could Margery Pinchwife be considered a proto-feminist character despite her naivety?

Margery Pinchwife, despite her initial naivety, can be seen as having proto-feminist leanings. Her open defiance of Mr. Pinchwife's control and her unashamed pursuit of her desires, even if driven by innocence, challenge patriarchal authority and societal expectations for women. She ultimately asserts her own will and sexual agency, refusing to be a passive object.

The Country Wife Summary by William Wycherley | BookBrief

Name: The Country Wife
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.35 (3687 reviews)
ISBN: 9780713632873

A notorious rake pretends to be impotent to access London's virtuous wives, while a country innocent navigates urban courtship.

Synopsis

Horner, a notorious rake, plans to gain access to married women and virgins in London society. He spreads a rumor that he is impotent after a failed venereal disease treatment, believing husbands will trust him with their wives. His plan works, and he seduces many women while their husbands remain unaware. Meanwhile, Pinchwife, a country man, arrives in London with his naive young wife, Margery. He keeps her almost imprisoned due to extreme jealousy, trying to shield her from the city's corrupting influences and men, especially Horner. However, Margery, curious about city life, finds ways to defy her husband and is drawn to Horner. At the same time, Pinchwife's sister, Alithea, is engaged to the foolish Sparkish but is pursued by the honorable Harcourt, who tries to win her affection despite her commitment. The play ends with farcical misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and deceptions. Horner's 'impotence' is eventually exposed, but not before he achieves his goals. Margery, having experienced London's freedoms, secures a more independent future, and Alithea chooses Harcourt, leaving Sparkish humiliated. The play concludes with moral ambiguity, valuing wit and deception over traditional virtue.

Reading time

200 min

Difficulty

Medium

Pacing

Fast

Mood

Witty, Satirical, Farcical, Cynical, Amusing

✓ Read this if...

You enjoy classic Restoration comedies, witty dialogue, social satire, and plays that explore themes of marriage, infidelity, and societal hypocrisy with a cynical edge.

✗ Skip this if...

You prefer morally upright characters, dislike themes of sexual promiscuity and deception, or find dated language and social mores difficult to engage with.

Plot Summary

Horner's Deception

The play begins with Mr. Horner, a notorious rake, planning with his surgeon, Quack, and a matchmaker, Lucy. They spread a rumor that he became impotent from a venereal disease. His goal is to make husbands trust him and allow him free access to their wives, believing he poses no threat. Sir Jasper Fidget, a foolish cuckold, is the first to believe the deception, readily accepting Horner's 'condition' and promoting it to other husbands. Horner then begins his plan with Lady Fidget and Mrs. Dainty Fidget, who, despite their initial modesty, are intrigued by his supposed 'safe' company. This setup establishes Horner's cunning and the widespread hypocrisy in London society.

Pinchwife's Jealousy and Alithea's Predicament

Mr. Pinchwife, an older, intensely jealous man, arrives in London from the country with his young, naive wife, Margery, and his sister, Alithea. He is determined to protect Margery from the city's corrupting influences and rakes, especially Horner, whom he dislikes. He keeps Margery almost imprisoned, telling her to pretend to be ugly and avoid all male company. Meanwhile, Alithea is engaged to the dull and pretentious Mr. Sparkish, a fop who cares more about appearing witty and fashionable than about Alithea. Alithea, however, is secretly attracted to Mr. Harcourt, Sparkish's friend, who genuinely loves her. This scene shows Pinchwife's extreme possessiveness and sets up the contrasting romantic situations.

Margery's Curiosity and First Encounter

Margery Pinchwife, despite her husband's strict rules, is curious and quickly gets bored with her confinement. She watches the fashionable ladies and gentlemen from her window, especially intrigued by Horner. When Pinchwife takes her out, disguised as a boy, she meets Horner, who immediately recognizes her and flirts with her. Margery, new to such attention, is captivated. Pinchwife, unaware of Horner's true nature due to the rumors, only cares about keeping Margery away from other men. This interaction marks the start of Margery's awakening to the world beyond her husband's control and her growing interest in Horner.

Horner's 'China' Scheme

Horner's deception grows as he entertains Lady Fidget, Mrs. Dainty Fidget, and Mrs. Squeamish. These ladies, believing him harmless, visit his lodging often, supposedly to admire his 'china' collection. The 'china' is a euphemism for their sexual encounters with Horner. Their maids and even Sir Jasper Fidget are involved or willfully ignorant, maintaining the illusion of Horner's impotence. This scheme exposes the elaborate hypocrisy of upper-class women who pretend to be virtuous while secretly indulging desires, enabled by Horner's clever trick and the husbands' gullibility.

The Letter Exchange and Margery's Boldness

Margery, smitten with Horner, writes him a love letter expressing her feelings and a desire to meet. Pinchwife intercepts the letter, furious at her disobedience. He forces her to rewrite it as a letter of rejection, threatening to kill her if she does not comply. However, Margery, with surprising wit, secretly replaces the dictated letter with her original love letter, ensuring Horner receives her true message. This incident shows Margery's developing cunning and her growing defiance of her husband's control, hinting at her potential for liberation.

Harcourt's Pursuit of Alithea

Harcourt, determined to win Alithea, tries to persuade her not to marry Sparkish. He constantly points out Sparkish's vanity, superficiality, and lack of genuine affection. Sparkish, oblivious and self-absorbed, often helps Harcourt's cause by acting foolish, revealing his true character as a fop who values appearances above all else. Alithea, though initially resistant due to her honor and commitment, begins to see the truth in Harcourt's words and is drawn to his sincerity. This subplot provides a contrasting, more genuine romantic pursuit amid the play's comedic deceptions.

The Convent Visit and Horner's Access

Pinchwife, desperate to keep Margery away from Horner, decides to take her to a convent, believing it to be a safe, male-free environment. However, Horner, anticipating Pinchwife's moves, arranges to be there. Margery, seizing the chance, slips away from Pinchwife and meets Horner. Their encounter further strengthens their mutual attraction and Margery's growing desire for freedom. This scene shows the irony of Pinchwife's efforts; his attempts to control Margery only push her further towards Horner, highlighting his ineffectiveness.

The 'China' Closet Confrontation

A scene occurs in Horner's lodging when Lady Fidget, Mrs. Dainty Fidget, and Mrs. Squeamish arrive at the same time, each expecting an exclusive meeting with Horner. They discover each other, and realizing they have all been sharing Horner's 'china,' they have a heated, but suppressed, confrontation. To protect their reputations, they agree to a pact of silence, pretending ignorance of each other's activities. This scene exposes the collective hypocrisy of these 'virtuous' ladies and their willingness to prioritize social appearances over genuine morality, solidifying Horner's success.

Margery's Escape and Impersonation

Margery's desire for freedom and Horner grows stronger. She tricks Pinchwife into believing she is going to meet Alithea. Instead, she plans to meet Horner, having disguised herself in Alithea's clothes and veil. This impersonation is a bold move, showing her increasing assertiveness and cunning. The disguise also creates more confusion and comedic misunderstandings, especially when Pinchwife believes he has taken Alithea (who is actually Margery) to be married to Sparkish, while the real Alithea is elsewhere, pursuing her own romantic destiny with Harcourt.

The Double Wedding and Resolution

The play ends in chaotic events. Alithea, with Lucy's help, rejects Sparkish and marries Harcourt. Margery, still disguised as Alithea, is almost married to Sparkish but is reunited with Horner. Pinchwife is driven to near madness by his wife's perceived infidelity and his inability to control her. The truth about Horner's impotence deception is almost revealed by the enraged Pinchwife and Sir Jasper Fidget, but Quack and Lucy intervene. They successfully convince everyone (including the husbands) that Horner is indeed impotent, protecting his reputation and the ladies' honor. The play concludes with Horner triumphant, Margery free, and Alithea happily married.

Principal Figures

Mr. Horner

The Protagonist/Antagonist

Horner remains largely static, a successful manipulator from beginning to end, his 'impotence' a shield he never truly sheds.

Margery Pinchwife

The Protagonist

Margery transforms from a naive, oppressed country wife into a cunning, assertive woman who seeks and achieves her own desires.

Mr. Pinchwife

The Antagonist

Pinchwife's jealousy and attempts at control are consistently thwarted, ending in his utter humiliation and failure to control his wife.

Alithea

The Supporting

Alithea moves from a reluctant engagement to a fop to a happy marriage with the man she truly loves, prioritizing sincerity over social standing.

Mr. Harcourt

The Supporting

Harcourt successfully navigates social obstacles to win the hand of the woman he loves, demonstrating sincerity's triumph.

Mr. Sparkish

The Supporting

Sparkish remains a self-absorbed fop, ultimately losing Alithea due to his own vanity and lack of genuine affection.

Lady Fidget

The Supporting

Lady Fidget remains a hypocritical figure, successfully maintaining her reputation despite her illicit affairs, thanks to Horner's ruse.

Sir Jasper Fidget

The Supporting

Sir Jasper remains a deluded cuckold, never truly understanding his wife's infidelity or Horner's deception.

Lucy

The Supporting

Lucy consistently uses her wit and position to assist her mistresses and others in achieving their desires, remaining a clever and effective manipulator.

Quack

The Supporting

Quack remains a loyal and effective co-conspirator to Horner, successfully maintaining the deception to the end.

Themes & Insights

Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

This is a central theme, present in almost every character. Horner's entire scheme relies on the difference between his feigned impotence (appearance) and his actual virility (reality). The 'virtuous gang' of ladies (Lady Fidget, Mrs. Dainty Fidget, Mrs. Squeamish) publicly denounce rakes and uphold moral standards while secretly having affairs with Horner, using 'china' as a euphemism for their activities. Mr. Sparkish cares only for the appearance of wit and fashion, not genuine affection. Even Pinchwife's attempts to control Margery are about maintaining the appearance of a chaste wife, rather than addressing her true desires. The play constantly shows the gap between what people say and what they do, and how society often accepts comforting lies over inconvenient truths.

“A pox on 'em, the jades! I cannot be civil to 'em, though I could wish 'em well, for they are my own sex. But I hate 'em, for they are my rivals, and I cannot bear to see 'em enjoy what I would fain have myself.”

Sexual Liberation and Repression

The play explores the tension between society's repression of female sexuality and the human desire for pleasure and freedom. Mr. Pinchwife's extreme efforts to repress Margery's sexuality ironically lead to her awakening and cunning pursuit of Horner. The married ladies, believing Horner is impotent, find a safe way to express their desires. Horner himself is a figure of male sexual liberation, challenging conventional morality. The play suggests that repression is useless and often counterproductive, and that desire will find a way to appear, often through deception. Margery's journey shows a woman breaking free from sexual repression.

“I will go abroad, that's certain; and I will see plays, and go to visits; and I will have fine clothes, and go to Court, and see the King, and the Queen, and all the fine things.”

The Folly of Jealousy and Possessiveness

Mr. Pinchwife embodies the destructive nature of extreme jealousy and possessiveness. His constant attempts to control Margery, to keep her ignorant and confined, are unsuccessful and actively push her towards the infidelity he fears. His jealousy makes him blind to his wife's intelligence and resourcefulness, and he becomes a figure of ridicule. The play shows that love and fidelity cannot be forced; true affection must be freely given. Pinchwife's paranoia contrasts with Horner's casual conquests, highlighting the ineffectiveness of his approach.

“A wife is like a fly, which you may keep in a glass, but she will buzz and flutter till she breaks her wings against it, and then dies.”

The Corruption of London Society

The play satirizes Restoration London society as superficial, morally corrupt, and obsessed with appearances. The characters, from fops like Sparkish to the hypocritical 'virtuous gang' of ladies, care more about maintaining their social standing and reputation than about genuine virtue or sincerity. Horner's success in his deception is a direct result of this societal corruption and gullibility. The city is portrayed as a place where innocence (like Margery's) is quickly lost, and where wit and cunning are valued above honesty. The play critiques the moral decay beneath the polished surface of urban gentility.

“He has a great deal of wit, and I love a man of wit, let him be never so ugly.”

The Power of Deception and Language

Deception drives the entire plot, primarily through Horner's feigned impotence. The play shows how carefully constructed lies and strategic language can manipulate perception and control outcomes. The euphemism of 'china' is a prime example of how language can hide illicit activities in plain sight. Margery's clever letter-swapping also shows her growing mastery of deception. The characters constantly engage in verbal sparring, using wit and double entendre to conceal their true intentions or to expose others. The play highlights language as a powerful tool for both control and liberation.

“I have been for the china, and am sure, if you had been in the next room, you might have heard the jingling of the china.”

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Impotence Ruse

Horner's feigned impotence allows him unrestricted access to married women.

This is the central plot device, a master deception orchestrated by Horner. By spreading the rumor that he has been rendered impotent by venereal disease, Horner transforms himself from a notorious rake into a 'safe' companion in the eyes of jealous husbands. This ruse enables him to freely interact with and seduce married women without suspicion, as their husbands believe he poses no threat. It functions as the engine for most of the play's comedic situations and exposes the widespread hypocrisy and gullibility of society.

'China' as a Euphemism

The word 'china' serves as a code for sexual encounters with Horner.

The repeated use of 'china' as a euphemism is a brilliant comedic device. When the married ladies visit Horner, their stated purpose is to admire or acquire his 'china' collection. However, it quickly becomes clear that 'going for china' or 'breaking china' refers to their sexual liaisons with Horner. This device allows the characters to maintain a veneer of respectability while openly discussing their illicit activities, highlighting the hypocrisy and coded language prevalent in Restoration society. It creates a layer of knowing humor for the audience, who are privy to the true meaning.

Disguise and Mistaken Identity

Characters use disguises to achieve their goals, leading to comedic confusion.

Disguise and mistaken identity are employed for comedic effect and to advance the plot. Margery Pinchwife disguises herself as a boy to go out and later as Alithea to meet Horner, leading to humorous confusion, particularly for Pinchwife. Harcourt also uses a disguise (as a parson) to gain private access to Alithea and try to win her over. These devices create chaotic situations, allow characters to behave in ways they normally couldn't, and ultimately contribute to the resolution of the various romantic and sexual entanglements.

The Intercepted Letter

A letter written by Margery is intercepted by Pinchwife, leading to a clever substitution.

Margery's love letter to Horner, intercepted by Pinchwife, is a pivotal device that demonstrates her burgeoning cunning. Pinchwife forces her to rewrite it as a letter of rejection, but Margery cleverly substitutes the original, ensuring Horner receives her true message. This not only advances her relationship with Horner but also highlights her growing assertiveness and ability to outwit her oppressive husband. It's a moment where the seemingly naive character reveals unexpected depth and resourcefulness, turning a potential setback into a triumph.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“He that marries a country wife, first, marries a fool, then marries a foe.”

— Horner's cynical view on marriage to a naive woman.

“I have been so long kept up, I am e'en mouldy.”

— Margery Pinchwife's complaint about her confinement.

“A pox of all that are so civil as to love me for my money!”

— Sparkish's complaint about those who feign affection for his wealth.

“I am resolved to be a rake and to love nothing but my pleasure.”

— Horner's declaration of his libertine lifestyle.

“Sure, 'tis a fine thing to be a lady!”

— Margery Pinchwife's naive observation about the life of a city woman.

“We are like the ladies at a coronation, who, when the show is done, are ready to go home to bed.”

— Alithea's witty comparison of women's roles.

“I am not so young as to believe that virtue is always rewarded.”

— Mrs. Squeamish's realistic view of morality.

“A husband is a necessary evil, but a lover is a delightful one.”

— Lady Fidget's frank assessment of male relationships.

“The only way to be safe from women is to be out of the world, or to be a eunuch.”

— Pinchwife's extreme paranoia about women's fidelity.

“I love to be a little mischievous, to keep myself in countenance.”

— Dainty Fidget's justification for her flirtatious behavior.

“Ignorance is the best armor for a wife.”

— Pinchwife's belief that keeping his wife uneducated will preserve her fidelity.

“She's a country-girl, and thinks every man a husband that's civil to her.”

— Horner's observation on Margery Pinchwife's naivety.

“To be a cuckold is to be a fashion.”

— Sparkish's flippant remark about cuckoldry.

“I'll never marry a fool; for I know the price of 'em.”

— Alithea's practical stance on choosing a husband.

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'The Country Wife' centers on Horner, a notorious rake who feigns impotence to gain unrestricted access to respectable ladies. This deception allows him to pursue affairs with married women like Lady Fidget and Mrs. Dainty Fidget, while their husbands remain blissfully unaware of his true intentions and capabilities.

About the author

William Wycherley

Biography coming soon.

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Synopsis

Plot Summary

Horner's Deception

Pinchwife's Jealousy and Alithea's Predicament

Margery's Curiosity and First Encounter

Horner's 'China' Scheme

The Letter Exchange and Margery's Boldness

Harcourt's Pursuit of Alithea

The Convent Visit and Horner's Access

The 'China' Closet Confrontation

Margery's Escape and Impersonation

The Double Wedding and Resolution

Principal Figures

Mr. Horner

Margery Pinchwife

Mr. Pinchwife

Alithea

Mr. Harcourt

Mr. Sparkish

Lady Fidget

Sir Jasper Fidget

Lucy

Quack

Themes & Insights

Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Sexual Liberation and Repression

The Folly of Jealousy and Possessiveness

The Corruption of London Society

The Power of Deception and Language

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Impotence Ruse

'China' as a Euphemism

Disguise and Mistaken Identity

The Intercepted Letter

Critical analysis

In-depth analysis

Strengths

Areas for improvement

Notable Quotes

Quiz

Test Your Knowledge

Key Questions (FAQ)

What is the central premise of 'The Country Wife' and how does it introduce the main characters?

Who is Margery Pinchwife and what role does her naivety play in the plot?

Describe the character of Mr. Pinchwife and his attempts to control his wife.

What is the 'china scene' and why is it a famous moment in the play?

How does the play resolve the various romantic entanglements and deceptions?

What is the significance of the title, 'The Country Wife,' beyond Margery Pinchwife?

Are there any clues early in the play that hint at Horner's true intentions and the success of his deception?

What is the underlying connection between Mr. Pinchwife's jealousy and Horner's deception?

How does the character of Sparkish function as a foil to other characters like Harcourt?

Analyze the psychological motivations behind Horner's elaborate deception.

Discuss the psychological impact of Mr. Pinchwife's possessiveness on Margery.

What does the 'china scene' reveal about the psychology of the 'virtuous' ladies like Lady Fidget?

How does Alithea's decision to marry Harcourt instead of Sparkish reflect a psychological shift?

Is Horner a hero or a villain in the context of Restoration comedy?

Does the play ultimately condemn or condone the adulterous behavior it depicts?

What is the play's message about female agency and freedom in 17th-century London society?

How does the play's ending contribute to its satirical commentary on marriage and societal norms?

Could Margery Pinchwife be considered a proto-feminist character despite her naivety?

About the author

William Wycherley

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