The Rivals

"The Rivals" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan was supposedly a comedy. However, much like Shakespeare's comedies, I did not find "The Rivals" to be hilarious or hysterical.

"The Rivals" takes place in Bath, England during the 18th century. In the play Captain Absolute, masquerading as Ensign Beverly, courted a beautiful young heiress, Lydia Languish. Absolute's father surprised his son with his arrival in Bath, and informed Captain Absolute that he had arranged a marriage for him. At first the captain objected, but then he discovered that the woman his father had in mind was Miss Languish. This raised a new problem: Lydia greatly desired to run off and elope with Beverly, although her Aunt forbid it, and she refused to meet or marry Captain Absolute.

Meanwhile a rival suitor, Bob Acres, was persuaded to challenge Beverly to a duel even though Acres was terrified of being killed. Yet, everything was resolved when Acres discovered that Beverly was really Absolute, an old friend. Absolute makes his true identity known to Lydia, and she decided that she would marry the captain, even though he was not a poor ensign.

I found that this play was quite enjoyable; the plot was quite intriguing. The language, however, was a bit difficult at times; but, compared to Shakespeare's plays it was a piece of cake.