The Puritan The Widow Of Watling Street: A Timeless Tale of Love and Intrigue

The Puritan The Widow Of Watling Street is a captivating play written by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley in the 17th century. Set in the bustling cities of London and Amsterdam, this tragicomedy takes audiences on a journey filled with love, deception, and intricate plot twists. With its unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary, this play continues to captivate audiences today, proving its timeless appeal.

The Storyline: Love and Intrigue in Puritan England

The Puritan The Widow Of Watling Street revolves around the character of Sir Justinian Harplot, a wealthy and elderly widower. Sir Harplot has taken a puritanical stance on life, vowing to never remarry or indulge in worldly pleasures. However, his steadfast beliefs are tested when he falls in love with the young and beautiful Moll Yellowhammers, the widow of Watling Street.

Moll is a lively and independent woman who embodies everything Sir Harplot stands against. As their relationship develops, the play delves into themes of forbidden love, societal expectations, and the clash between tradition and personal desires. The audience witnesses the inner turmoil faced by Sir Harplot as he grapples with his puritanical beliefs and his desire for Moll.

The Puritan: The Widow of Watling Street

by Thomas Middleton (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	204 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	109 pages

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Meanwhile, the play introduces a subplot involving two brothers, a pair of Dutch merchants named Romaine and Hans, who enter into a complex web of deception and revenge. As the intricate plot unfolds, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the resolution of these intertwined stories.

An Exploration of Society and Morality

The Puritan The Widow Of Watling Street, like much of the dramatic works of its time, serves as a reflection of the social and moral values prevalent during the Puritan era. As the puritanical beliefs of Sir Harplot clash with his carnal desires, the play explores the tension between individual desires and societal expectations. It examines the restrictive nature of puritanical dogma and raises questions about the relationship between personal happiness and adherence to societal norms.

Additionally, the play offers an insightful commentary on the intersections of class, gender, and power. Moll, as a widow, occupies a unique position in society, wielding influence and independence that challenges the traditional roles of women in this era. Her character challenges the status quo and highlights the limitations placed upon women's agency and autonomy.

The Enduring Appeal

The Puritan The Widow Of Watling Street continues to captivate audiences centuries after its inception due to its multi-dimensional characters, intricate plot, and timeless themes. The play's exploration of forbidden love, societal expectations, and the clash between personal desires and moral obligations resonate with audiences of all eras.

Furthermore, the play's mix of humor and drama provides an engaging and entertaining experience for theater-goers. The comedic elements, often through witty wordplay and amusing situations, serve as a welcome relief from the intense emotional moments in the play. This careful balance between light-heartedness and deep introspection contributes to the play's enduring popularity.

In

The Puritan The Widow Of Watling Street is a remarkable play that has stood the test of time. Its exploration of love, deceit, and the clash of personal desires with societal expectations is timeless and continues to resonate with audiences today. Through its complex characters and intricate plot, the play offers a thought-provoking commentary on society and morality. Whether it be in the 17th century or the present day, this captivating tale of love and intrigue will continue to capture the hearts and minds of theater enthusiasts around the world.

The Puritan: The Widow of Watling Street

by Thomas Middleton (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	204 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	109 pages

FREE

Thomas Middleton was born in London in April 1580 and baptised on 18th April. Middleton was aged only five when his father died. His mother remarried but this unfortunately fell apart into a fifteen year legal dispute regarding the inheritance due Thomas and his younger sister. By the time he left Oxford, at the turn of the Century, Middleton had and published Microcynicon: Six Snarling Satirese which was denounced by the Archbishop of Canterbury and publicly burned. In the early years of the 17th century, Middleton wrote topical pamphlets. One – Penniless Parliament of Threadbare Poets was reprinted several times and the subject of a parliamentary inquiry. These early years writing plays continued to attract controversy. His writing partnership with Thomas Dekker brought him into conflict with Ben Jonson and George Chapman in the so-called War of the Theatres. His finest work with Dekker was undoubtedly The Roaring Girl, a biography of the notorious Mary Frith. In the 1610s, Middleton began another playwriting partnership, this time with the actor William Rowley, producing another slew of plays including Wit at Several Weapons and A Fair Quarrel. The ever adaptable Middleton seemed at ease working with others or by himself. His solo writing credits include the comic masterpiece, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, in 1613. In 1620 he was officially appointed as chronologer of the City of London, a post he held until his death. The 1620s saw the production of his and Rowley's tragedy, and continual favourite, The Changeling, and of several other tragicomedies. However in 1624, he reached a peak of notoriety when his dramatic allegory A Game at Chess was staged by the King's Men. Though Middleton's approach was strongly patriotic, the Privy Council silenced the play after only nine performances at the Globe theatre, having received a complaint from the Spanish ambassador. What happened next is a mystery. It is the last play recorded as having being written by Middleton. Thomas Middleton died at his home at Newington Butts in Southwark in the summer of 1627, and was buried on July 4th, in St Mary's churchyard which today survives as a public park in Elephant and Castle.