Length3h 45m
About this audiobook
William Congreve's "The Old Bachelor" is a seminal work of Restoration comedy that deftly navigates the complexities of love, deception, and societal norms. Written in 1693, the play is characterized by its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and an intricate web of romantic entanglements among its characters. Congreve's use of rhymed couplets and sharp repartee reflects the era's theatrical style while also allowing for critical insights into the behaviors and expectations of the 17th-century English aristocracy. The work provides a vivid examination of the bachelor's plight amidst the pressures of social propriety, encapsulating the tensions between personal desire and societal expectation. Congreve, born in 1670, was a foundational figure in English drama, often lauded for his sharp wit and keen observations about human nature. His education at Oxford and exposure to the vibrant literary scene of the time significantly influenced his writing. "The Old Bachelor" emerged during a period when themes of gender and relationships were increasingly scrutinized, reflecting both the author's personal experiences and the broader social discourse surrounding marriage and courtship. For readers seeking a masterclass in character-driven narrative and comedic timing, "The Old Bachelor" offers a compelling blend of humor and insight. Congreve's exploration of romantic relationships remains relevant, making this play an enduring contribution to the canon of English literature that invites reflection and enjoyment alike.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics
Length3 hrs 45 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateSep 16, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1II.
40SCENE I.
2III.
41SCENE II.
3IV.
42SCENE III.
4V.
43SCENE IV.
5VI.
44SCENE V.
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6VII.
45SCENE VI.
7TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHARLES, LORD CLIFFORD OF LANESBOROUGH, ETC.
46SCENE VII.
8TO MR. CONGREVE.
47SCENE VIII.
9TO MR. CONGREVE.
48SCENE IX.
10TO MR. CONGREVE, ON HIS PLAY CALLED THE OLD BACHELOR.
49SCENE X.
11PROLOGUE INTENDED FOR THE OLD BACHELOR. Written by the Lord Falkland.
50SCENE XI.
12PROLOGUE. Spoken by Mrs. Bracegirdle.
51SCENE XII.
13MEN.
52SCENE XIII.
14WOMEN.
53SCENE XIV.
15SCENE I.
54SCENE XV.
16SCENE II.
55SCENE XVI.
17SCENE III.
56SCENE XVII.
18SCENE IV.
57SCENE XVIII.
19SCENE V.
58SCENE XIX.
20SCENE I.
59SCENE XX.
21SCENE II.
60SCENE XXI.
22SCENE III.
61SCENE XXII.
23SCENE IV.
62SCENE I.
24SCENE V.
63SCENE II.
25SCENE VI.
64SCENE III.
26SCENE VII.
65SCENE IV.
27SCENE VIII.
66SCENE V.
28SCENE IX.
67SCENE VI.
29SCENE I.
68SCENE VII.
30SCENE II.
69SCENE VIII.
31SCENE III.
70SCENE IX.
32SCENE IV.
71SCENE X.
33SCENE V.
72SCENE XI.
34SCENE VI.
73SCENE XII.
35SCENE VII.
74SCENE XIII.
36SCENE VIII.
75SCENE XIV.
37SCENE IX.
76SCENE the Last
38SCENE X.
77A DANCE.
39SCENE XI.
78EPILOGUE. Spoken by Mrs. Barry.
