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Incognita; or, Love and Duty Reconcil'd   By: (1670-1729)

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Incognita; or, Love and Duty Reconcil'd by William Congreve is a delightful and intriguing piece of literature that transports readers to the vibrant world of Restoration England. Set against a backdrop of courtly intrigue and forbidden love, this play explores the complexities of desire, duty, and the masks people wear to navigate the intricate social conventions of the time.

Congreve, celebrated for his wit and keen observations of human nature, weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated from start to finish. The story follows the clandestine romance between two central characters, Bellmour and Incognita, who become enamored with each other while concealing their true identities. The dialogue is rich and sophisticated, laden with double entendres and playful banter that reflect the customs and complexities of the period.

The playwright skillfully navigates themes of love, duty, and societal expectations, exploring the consequences of clandestine affairs and the contrast between personal desires and societal norms. Congreve presents a cast of characters, each with their own motivations, secrets, and desires, which adds layers of depth to the story and injects a sense of realism into the narrative. As the play unfolds, the plot twists and turns, building suspense and keeping readers guessing until the very end.

One of the remarkable aspects of Incognita is Congreve's ability to capture the essence of the era through the characters' dialogue and interactions. The language is eloquent, evoking the elegance and grandeur of the Restoration period while immersing readers in its mores and conventions. The witticisms and repartee between the characters add a touch of comedy to the play, injecting moments of levity amidst the intense emotional turmoil.

Moreover, Congreve's exploration of love and duty is thought-provoking and resonates with readers even today. The characters grapple with the question of whether personal happiness should be prioritized over societal expectations, and the consequences of their choices shed light on the timeless tension between individual desires and the demands of society.

Overall, Incognita; or, Love and Duty Reconcil'd is a shining example of Restoration comedy at its best. Congreve's masterful storytelling, clever dialogue, and astute observations of human nature create a captivating and entertaining read. This play serves as a window into a fascinating era of history, while its exploration of love, duty, and perception remains relevant and thought-provoking. Fans of classic literature and historical drama will surely find delight in this hidden gem.

First Page:

INCOGNITA: OR, LOVE AND DUTY RECONCIL'D A NOVEL by William Congreve

TO THE Honoured and Worthily Esteem'd Mrs. Katharine Leveson .

Madam ,

A Clear Wit, sound Judgment and a Merciful Disposition, are things so rarely united, that it is almost inexcusable to entertain them with any thing less excellent in its kind. My knowledge of you were a sufficient Caution to me, to avoid your Censure of this Trifle, had I not as intire a knowledge of your Goodness. Since I have drawn my Pen for a Rencounter, I think it better to engage where, though there be Skill enough to Disarm me, there is too much Generosity to Wound; for so shall I have the saving Reputation of an unsuccessful Courage, if I cannot make it a drawn Battle. But methinks the Comparison intimates something of a Defiance, and savours of Arrogance; wherefore since I am Conscious to my self of a Fear which I cannot put off, let me use the Policy of Cowards and lay this Novel unarm'd, naked and shivering at your Feet, so that if it should want Merit to challenge Protection, yet, as an Object of Charity, it may move Compassion. It has been some Diversion to me to Write it, I wish it may prove such to you when you have an hour to throw away in Reading of it: but this Satisfaction I have at least beforehand, that in its greatest failings it may fly for Pardon to that Indulgence which you owe to the weakness of your Friend; a Title which I am proud you have thought me worthy of, and which I think can alone be superior to that

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