A Bold Stroke for a Husband
A Bold Stroke for a Husband by Hannah Cowley is an 18th-century comedic play centered on love, deception, and female agency. The story follows Olivia, a strong-willed woman determined to marry the man she loves, Colonel Bellville, despite her overprotective father, Don Cæsar, who wants her to wed the wealthy but foolish Don Julio. Olivia devises a clever scheme, enlisting the help of her cousin Victoria, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage. Disguises, mistaken identities, and witty banter drive the plot, ultimately leading to a happy resolution where true love triumphs. The play satirizes societal norms and highlights the intelligence and resilience of women in a male-dominated world.
