The Perplex'd Lovers (ePub)

Susanna Centlivre (circa 1667-1723), nee Freeman, was a celebrated British playwright and poet, part of the vanguard in the early 18th century English literature and theater. Despite the obscurity surrounding her early life, Centlivre established herself as a literary force in a dominantly male arena. With a legacy of over nineteen plays, her work often engaged with themes of love, marriage, and social class, imbued with sharp wit and an appreciation for farce ('The Perplex'd Lovers', 1712, being a notable example). Her comedic prowess and the strong roles she crafted for women were distinctive, often challenging the societal norms of her time. A master of the comedic genre, Centlivre's plays were second in popularity only to the works of the great William Shakespeare during her tenure at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Her ability to blend elements of Restoration comedy with the emerging sentimental style endeared her to audiences and ensured the enduring performance of her works well into the 19th century. Centlivre's literary style was marked by an astute understanding of character and dialogue, making her one of the most important female playwrights of the early 18th century, and her oeuvre a subject of scholarly interest in the studies of gender, literature, and history.