Reviews

The Belle's Stratagem by Hannah Cowley

nafas_a's review against another edition

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3.0

there’s not much to say without spoiling the plot, but i genuinely enjoyed the mentions of chastity and gentility in their society and community. i do also appreciate the rather vivid differentiation between characters at times.

moudi's review against another edition

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3.0

في المسرحية مساران لمسألتين، الأولى - وهي أساس المسرحية - عن لتيتيا التي ترفض الزواج برجل لا يرى فيها أكثر من جسد جميل فتقرر أن تحول نظرة هذا الرجل بخطة تبدو غريبة إذ تؤمن أن تحويل الكراهية إلى محبة أسهل من تحويل الإهمال إلى شغف، الأخرى عن السيدة تَچوُود و زوجها الذي لشدة غيرته لا يدعها تخرج من دونه فنرى السيدة راكيت و الآنسة أُقول وهما تقفان أمامه لمحاولة إخراج زوجته من قيودها.
" what do you take a Fine Lady to be, that you express such fear of her? (sneeringly.)
Sir Geo : A being easily described, Madam, as she is seen every where, but in her own house. She sleeps at home, but she lives all over the town. In her mind, every sentiment gives place to the Lust of Conquest, and the vanity of being particular. The feelings of Wife, and Mother, are lost in the whirl of dissipation. If she continues virtuous, 'tis by chance —and if she preserves her Husband from ruin, 'tis by her dexterity at the Card-Table!—Such a Woman I take to be a perfect Fine Lady!
Mrs. Rack: And you I take to be a slanderous Cynic of twoand-thirty.—Twenty years hence, one might have forgiven such a libel!—Now, Sir, hear my definition of a Fine Lady:— She is a creature for whom Nature has done much, and Education more; she has Taste, Elegance, Spirit, Understanding. In her manner she is free, in her morals nice. Her behaviour is undistinguishingly polite to her Husband, and all mankind;—her sentiments are for their hours of retirement. In a word, a Fine Lady is the life of conversation, the spirit of society, the joy of the public!— Pleasure follows where ever she appears, and the kindest wishes attend her slumbers."

تتميز المسرحية بأمور عدة :
١ ) الدعابة الذكية
٢) روح التسامح الغريبة إذ نجد نهاية زير نساء أراد أن يضع نبيلة في قائمته، ضحك وسخرية، والرجل الغيور بلا منطق تعود له زوجته سعيدة في تقييدها دون ان يلومها أحد. وهنا لا يمكن تسمية اي شخصية بأنها شخصية الشرير، اي ان هذه المسرحية لا تخضع لنمط الشرير والخيّر او الوحش والبطل لكنها تجعل الحصول على امرأة جائزة الطيبين.
٣) القضايا المطروحة في المسرحية فيما يخص المرأة وواقعها. ولا حاجة لقول بأن ذات المشكلات ما زالت في مجتمعنا كـفكرة النساء يفسدن النساء - كالمثل الدارج ( خوة الرجال تجارة وخوة النساء خسارة) - وغيرها.
٤) تنوع الشخصيات وأهمية دور كل منهم، وهذه الميزة تشكل مهارة خاصة في المسرحيات.
"Here, only, on the Stage, You see us as we are: Here trust your eyes; Our wish to please, admits of no disguise."

thirstkirst's review against another edition

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3.0

So, I read the original version of this play from the 1700's with little to no editing done to it. This was definitely not a smooth, quick read. I did, however, enjoy the play. It has a lot going on involving marriage, disguises, British nationalism, complicated feelings of love. I recommend it if you're into this kind of thing. It isn't too challenging, and it is noteworthy as a British drama from the 18th century.
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