Prologue
The prologue spoken by Mrs. Bracegirdle highlights the purpose of the stage to reflect the follies of the age and hold up a mirror to individuals. The hope is expressed for a venomous priest or an ugly lady to write satire that truly bites. The speaker expresses a desire to see the playwright lashed for his presumptuousness. The prologue also touches on the harsh criticism writers face in England compared to other countries, where feedback is more gentle and constructive. The prologue criticizes the playwright for writing three plays at once, calling it foolish. The prologue emphasizes the unforgiving nature of the English audience and their tendency to damn rather than offer mercy. The prologue concludes with a comparison between England and other countries in terms of how writers are treated, highlighting the harshness of the English audience.
Act I Scene I
Sir John Brute is unhappy in his marriage and feels trapped. Lady Brute is also unhappy in her marriage and contemplates seeking revenge by having an affair. Belinda, Lady Brute’s cousin, observes her behavior and suspects her feelings for Constant. Lady Brute and Belinda discuss the nature of coquetry and the pleasure women derive from jilting men. They also discuss Lady Brute’s neighbor, who is vain and believes all men are in love with her. Lady Brute believes that men are not as wise as women in matters of love and relationships. They decide to go inside and discuss their own affairs.
Scene II
Lady Fancyfull is concerned about her appearance and seeks validation from those around her. She values the opinions of others, especially Madamoiselle, who she finds to be flattering and charming. Lady Fancyfull is self-absorbed and critical of her maid, Cornet, whom she deems ugly. Madamoiselle expresses her love for Lady Fancyfull, who appreciates the sentiment but remains focused on her own desires and standards. Lady Fancyfull receives a love letter and a song dedicated to her, which she finds flattering and enjoyable. The song emphasizes the theme of unrequited love and the pursuit of happiness through romantic relationships.
Lady Fan receives another letter and discusses her daily routine of being pursued by men. Lady Fan expresses both pleasure and concern at being adored by men and envied by women. Lady Fan reads the letter, which invites her to meet someone who dislikes her but also wants to help her reform. Lady Fan is curious to know who this person is and considers going to the rendezvous. Madam encourages Lady Fan to go to the rendezvous, citing the behavior of French ladies.
Lady Fan worries about the intentions of the unknown man and the impact on her reputation. Madam dismisses Lady Fan’s concerns about reputation and emphasizes the importance of pleasure. Lady Fan threatens to turn Madam out if she continues to talk in such a manner. Madam urges Lady Fan to go to the rendezvous and quickly helps her prepare. Lady Fan decides to follow Madam’s advice out of curiosity but claims she won’t make a habit of it.
Lady Fan expresses fear and hesitation, but Madam encourages her to go. Lady Fan debates the conflict between curiosity and honor. Lady Fan mentions that curiosity ruined Adam and Eve. Madam argues that curiosity brings pleasure and diverts their children. Lady Fan mentions that honor is against going, but Madam argues that pleasure is for it. Lady Fan reluctantly agrees to go, and Madam forces her to leave.
Act II Scene I
Lady Fancyfull and Madamoiselle are curious about a confident man. Heartfree approaches and Lady Fancyfull throws him a letter. Heartfree confronts Lady Fancyfull about her vanity and affectation. Lady Fancyfull is offended and tries to leave, but Heartfree stops her.
Heartfree criticizes Lady Fancyfull for her behavior and vanity. Lady Fancyfull defends herself and refuses to believe she is in the wrong. Lady Fancyfull and Madamoiselle leave. Heartfree reflects on his attempt to reform Lady Fancyfull and his views on women. Constant enters and Heartfree tells him about his encounter with Lady Fancyfull. Constant expresses his love for his cold mistress and Heartfree offers advice on avoiding falling in love.
Constant embraces Heartfree and they discuss the possibility of his mistress changing her mind. Heartfree criticizes women and their behavior towards men. Constant expresses frustration with his mistress’s avoidance of him. Heartfree suggests visiting the mistress and Constant believes it is futile. Heartfree warns Constant about the potential consequences of dealing with women. The knight enters.
Sir John is unhappy with his family and his wife. Sir John admits to not knowing how his wife is doing and reveals that he has been drinking. Const praises Sir John’s wife and expresses his desire to be married to someone like her. Sir John expresses his dissatisfaction with marriage and claims that he would hate anything he was married to. Sir John reveals that he married his wife because he wanted to sleep with her. Sir John mentions his association with Lord Rake and invites Heart and Const to join him in a drinking session.
Const declines the invitation because he has plans to see his mistress. Sir John and Const make a bet about whether or not Sir John’s wife can keep a secret. Sir John expresses his dislike for women and secrets. Sir John exits, leaving Const and Heart to discuss their plans. Heart encourages Const, saying that Sir John’s mistreatment of his wife may lead her to accept a new lover. Heart suggests that revenge can be a powerful motivator for women. Heart expresses hope for Const’s romantic prospects and they decide to go dine together.
Scene II
Lady Fancyfull and Madamoiselle discuss the lack of good breeding in a man they find impertinent. Lady Fancyfull expresses her desire for a fine gentleman and the importance of good breeding. Treble presents a song he composed for Lady Fancyfull, who praises his musical talent. Lady Fancyfull shares a dream that inspired her dialogue. Treble offers another song for Mrs. Pipe to sing. Lady Fancyfull discusses her singing abilities and the attention she receives for it. Treble takes his leave, and Lady Fancyfull contemplates how to reform Heartfree’s manners. Madamoiselle suggests using satire to ridicule and reform him. Lady Fancyfull debates whether to write a letter to him or not, ultimately deciding to be active in her severity. They exit, leaving Lady Fancyfull determined to take action.
The Provoked Wife Act III & Act IV Summary
The Provoked Wife Act V Summary
