3 Review(s)

Plays, Written by Sir John Vanbrugh, Volume the Second continues the collection of Sir John Vanbrugh’s most important theatrical works. This volume features a selection of his plays that further explore his distinctive blend of social satire, witty dialogue, and comedic situations.One of the key works included in this volume is The Confederacy, a lesser-known but still significant play that critiques the moral and political intrigues of its time. The play revolves around a group of characters engaged in deceit, manipulation, and schemes for personal gain. Through its clever use of mistaken identities and ironic situations, The Confederacy highlights the follies of ambition and the consequences of duplicity.Also featured in this volume is The Country House, which examines the lives of wealthy landowners and their servants, exposing the absurdities of both classes. With sharp humor, Vanbrugh critiques the notion of social superiority and the ridiculous lengths people will go to maintain their status. The play’s characters, often portrayed with exaggerated flaws, serve as vehicles for Vanbrugh’s critiques of greed, pretension, and the pursuit of comfort at the expense of others.