Literary Encyclopedia

George Etherege: The Comical Revenge, or Love in a Tub

The Comical Revenge: or Love in a Tub was the first play written by Sir George Etherege (1636-1691/2), first performed in 1664. The play is important in the history of drama because of the unique way in which Etherege employs two separate language styles. The love and honour plot, which has two couples, Beaufort and Graciana, Bruce and Aurelia, mistaking each other's feelings and becoming embroiled in intrigue, duels, sword play and sentimental aphorisms, is written in rhyming couplets. For example in Act 4, scene 5, the two girls believe Bruce has been killed by Beaufort.

AURELIA. Cruel Graciana, go but in and see
The fatal Triumph of your victory.
The noble Bruce to

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First published 18 September 2007

Citation: Lewcock, Dawn. "The Comical Revenge, or Love in a Tub". The Literary Encyclopedia. 18 September 2007

[http://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=1225, accessed 30 July 2010.]

 

Life, Works and Times

Dates:

  • 1664 (Published)

Places:

  • France (Country of Origin)

Genres and Modes:

  • Play