Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 01 of 10: the Custom of the Country

Name: Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 01 of 10: the Custom of the Country
Author: John Fletcher

By John Fletcher

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Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The play dramatizes a local custom that allows a powerful governor to claim a bride's virginity before marriage, imperiling a betrothed couple and forcing them to resist an abusive entitlement. Their struggle pulls in family, friends, and rivals and spawns comic subplots involving a meddling brother, a wealthy woman pursuing the same suitor, a bawd who manages male stews, and opportunistic courtiers. Action shifts between coastal and urban scenes as loyalties and honor are tested, mixing romantic complications with satirical comedy to critique corruption, hypocrisy, and the social enforcement of sexual prerogatives.

About the Author

John Fletcher

John Fletcher was an English playwright and poet active during the early 17th century, known for his collaboration with Francis Beaumont. Together, they produced a significant body of work that contributed to the development of English drama. Fletcher's plays often explore themes of love, honor, and social issues, showcasing a blend of comedy and tragedy. Notable works include "The Faithful Shepherdess," a pastoral drama that reflects his lyrical style, and "The Spanish Curate," which highlights his skill in comedic writing. Fletcher's influence on the theatrical landscape of his time remains evident in the enduring popularity of his plays.