3 Review(s)

The plot follows Floribel, daughter of the exiled Lord Gerrard, and her lover Goswin, a merchant who is secretly the noble son of Gerrard’s ally. When Gerrard falls into destitution, he assumes the role of “King of the Beggars,” leading a group of beggars in the settlement known as Beggars Bush. The beggars live under their own code, challenging social expectations by creating a mock society with its own customs and hierarchy. Goswin, who is unaware of his true noble birth, navigates his way through love and loyalty, ultimately helping to restore Gerrard and reclaim his own heritage.Through clever schemes, the beggars outwit the corrupt authorities and foreign invaders, illustrating themes of resilience and justice. By the end of the play, true identities are revealed, and the rightful order is restored. Beggars Bush is celebrated for its humor and its lighthearted critique of social pretensions and power structures. Beaumont and Fletcher use the beggar characters not only for comic relief but also to explore issues of wealth, honor, and the artificial nature of social status, making the play a timeless piece that continues to entertain and provoke thought.