The City Bride (1696) Or The Merry Cuckold By: Joseph Harris (1650?-1715?)
The City Bride (1696) Or The Merry Cuckold, penned by Joseph Harris, is an enthralling piece of literature that delves into the intricacies of love, marriage, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century London, this satirical play takes readers on a rollercoaster ride filled with humorous twists and unexpected turns. The story revolves around two central characters, Albert and Clara, who are roped into an arranged marriage due to societal pressures and financial obligations. What initially seemed like a recipe for unhappiness soon becomes a fascinating exploration of human desires and emotional complexities. As Albert begins his journey as a newlywed, he discovers that Clara might not be as virtuous and faithful as he had hoped. The revelation leads Albert on a quest for self-discovery, testing his own principles and values. Harris skillfully employs wit and sarcasm throughout the narrative, using humor as a tool to dissect societal norms and expectations regarding marriage and fidelity. The play's title, The Merry Cuckold, hints at the levity and mischievousness that permeates the twists and turns of the plot. Through clever dialogue and razor-sharp banter, Harris keeps readers engaged and entertained, while simultaneously inciting reflection on the fickle nature of human relationships and the consequences of societal constraints. One of the play's highlights is the depth of its characters. Albert, who initially appears as a naive and love-struck groom, undergoes a transformative journey that challenges his worldview and forces him to confront his own flaws. Clara, on the other hand, emerges as a complex female character whose motivations and actions are not easily discernible, adding an air of mystery and unpredictability to the narrative. Additionally, the play's portrayal of 17th-century London is rich in historical context and detail. Harris skillfully paints a vivid picture of the bustling city, immersing readers in its vibrant streets, opulent theaters, and luxurious households. This setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, shaping and influencing the actions and choices of the story's protagonists. While The City Bride (1696) Or The Merry Cuckold is undoubtedly a thought-provoking and entertaining piece of literature, it does have its shortcomings. The pacing at times feels rushed, particularly towards the end, leaving unanswered questions and unresolved plotlines. Some critics argue that the play could have benefited from additional development of secondary characters, whose potential for depth and complexity goes untapped. Despite these minor flaws, The City Bride (1696) Or The Merry Cuckold is a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable read. Harris's sharp wit, engaging dialogue, and astute observations on human nature make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. This play serves as a reminder that love, marriage, and personal fulfillment are delicate matters, prone to unexpected surprises and challenges, and that societal conventions should be questioned and challenged for the pursuit of true happiness. First Page: The Augustan Reprint Society JOSEPH HARRIS The City Bride (1696) With an Introduction by Vinton A. Dearing Publication Number 36 Los Angeles William Andrews Clark Memorial Library University of California 1952 GENERAL EDITORS H. RICHARD ARCHER, Clark Memorial Library RICHARD C. BOYS, University of Michigan ROBERT S. KINSMAN, University of California, Los Angeles JOHN LOFTIS, University of California, Los Angeles ASSISTANT EDITOR W. EARL BRITTON, University of Michigan ADVISORY EDITORS EMMETT L. AVERY, State College of Washington BENJAMIN BOYCE, Duke University LOUIS BREDVOLD, University of Michigan JAMES L. CLIFFORD, Columbia University ARTHUR FRIEDMAN, University of Chicago EDWARD NILES HOOKER, University of California, Los Angeles LOUIS A. LANDA, Princeton University SAMUEL H. MONK, University of Minnesota ERNEST MOSSNER, University of Texas JAMES SUTHERLAND, University College, London H. T. SWEDENBERG, JR., University of California, Los Angeles CORRESPONDING SECRETARY EDNA C. DAVIS, Clark Memorial Library INTRODUCTION The City Bride , by Joseph Harris, is of special interest as the only adaptation from the canon of John Webster to have come upon the stage in the Restoration. Nahum Tate's Injur'd Love: or, The Cruel Husband is an adaptation of The White Devil , but it was never acted and was not printed until 1707... Continue reading book >>

The City Bride (1696) Or The Merry Cuckold By: Joseph Harris (1650?-1715?)

The City Bride (1696) Or The Merry Cuckold, penned by Joseph Harris, is an enthralling piece of literature that delves into the intricacies of love, marriage, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century London, this satirical play takes readers on a rollercoaster ride filled with humorous twists and unexpected turns.

The story revolves around two central characters, Albert and Clara, who are roped into an arranged marriage due to societal pressures and financial obligations. What initially seemed like a recipe for unhappiness soon becomes a fascinating exploration of human desires and emotional complexities. As Albert begins his journey as a newlywed, he discovers that Clara might not be as virtuous and faithful as he had hoped. The revelation leads Albert on a quest for self-discovery, testing his own principles and values.

Harris skillfully employs wit and sarcasm throughout the narrative, using humor as a tool to dissect societal norms and expectations regarding marriage and fidelity. The play's title, The Merry Cuckold, hints at the levity and mischievousness that permeates the twists and turns of the plot. Through clever dialogue and razor-sharp banter, Harris keeps readers engaged and entertained, while simultaneously inciting reflection on the fickle nature of human relationships and the consequences of societal constraints.

One of the play's highlights is the depth of its characters. Albert, who initially appears as a naive and love-struck groom, undergoes a transformative journey that challenges his worldview and forces him to confront his own flaws. Clara, on the other hand, emerges as a complex female character whose motivations and actions are not easily discernible, adding an air of mystery and unpredictability to the narrative.

Additionally, the play's portrayal of 17th-century London is rich in historical context and detail. Harris skillfully paints a vivid picture of the bustling city, immersing readers in its vibrant streets, opulent theaters, and luxurious households. This setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, shaping and influencing the actions and choices of the story's protagonists.

While The City Bride (1696) Or The Merry Cuckold is undoubtedly a thought-provoking and entertaining piece of literature, it does have its shortcomings. The pacing at times feels rushed, particularly towards the end, leaving unanswered questions and unresolved plotlines. Some critics argue that the play could have benefited from additional development of secondary characters, whose potential for depth and complexity goes untapped.

Despite these minor flaws, The City Bride (1696) Or The Merry Cuckold is a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable read. Harris's sharp wit, engaging dialogue, and astute observations on human nature make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. This play serves as a reminder that love, marriage, and personal fulfillment are delicate matters, prone to unexpected surprises and challenges, and that societal conventions should be questioned and challenged for the pursuit of true happiness.

First Page:

The Augustan Reprint Society

JOSEPH HARRIS

The City Bride

(1696)

With an Introduction by Vinton A. Dearing

Publication Number 36

Los Angeles William Andrews Clark Memorial Library University of California 1952

GENERAL EDITORS

H. RICHARD ARCHER, Clark Memorial Library RICHARD C. BOYS, University of Michigan ROBERT S. KINSMAN, University of California, Los Angeles JOHN LOFTIS, University of California, Los Angeles

ASSISTANT EDITOR

W. EARL BRITTON, University of Michigan

ADVISORY EDITORS

EMMETT L. AVERY, State College of Washington BENJAMIN BOYCE, Duke University LOUIS BREDVOLD, University of Michigan JAMES L. CLIFFORD, Columbia University ARTHUR FRIEDMAN, University of Chicago EDWARD NILES HOOKER, University of California, Los Angeles LOUIS A. LANDA, Princeton University SAMUEL H. MONK, University of Minnesota ERNEST MOSSNER, University of Texas JAMES SUTHERLAND, University College, London H. T. SWEDENBERG, JR., University of California, Los Angeles

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

EDNA C. DAVIS, Clark Memorial Library

INTRODUCTION

The City Bride , by Joseph Harris, is of special interest as the only adaptation from the canon of John Webster to have come upon the stage in the Restoration. Nahum Tate's Injur'd Love: or, The Cruel Husband is an adaptation of The White Devil , but it was never acted and was not printed until 1707... Continue reading book >>

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