SOURCE: Carpenter, William E. Introduction to Thomas D'Urfey's The Virtuous Wife: A Critical Edition, edited by William E. Carpenter, pp. 17-34. New York: Garland Publishing, 1987.

In the following excerpt, Carpenter explores several of Durfey's comedies.

Comedies Written Before 1680

D'Urfey's first comedy, Madam Fickle: Or, The Witty False One (November 1676),¹ is an amusing play in which Madam Fickle, a supposed widow, is besieged by three suitors anxious to wed such a lovely and rich lady. The plot builds around Madam's witty tricks to tease, lead on, yet elude the suitors, while keeping each ignorant of the existence of his rivals. Actually, Madam's husband (Dorrel) is not dead, but after a long exile has returned in disguise and has taken service with his wife where he can observe her actions and determine her character. He helps her cope with the suitors and finally, satisfied as to her fidelity and virtue...