The Soldier's Fortune

Synopsis

An opulent manor in Restoration England, the air thick with intrigue and deception.

Captain Beaugard, a dashing yet impoverished soldier, finds himself entangled in a web of love and manipulation in Thomas Otway’s The Soldier’s Fortune. Set during the Restoration period, this comedy revolves around Beaugard’s attempts to rekindle his romance with Clorinda, who is now unhappily married to the elderly and oblivious Sir Davy Dunce. Meanwhile, Beaugard’s comrade, Courtine, pursues Clorinda’s cousin, Sylvia, adding to the romantic entanglements.

The play is a vivid representation of Restoration comedy, blending elements of farce and the comedy of manners. Themes of marital discontent, adultery, and social satire are prominent, with Otway’s sharp wit and character-driven narrative at the forefront. The character of Sir Jolly Jumble, a flamboyant and scheming neighbour, catalyses the lovers’ clandestine meetings, adding a layer of comic absurdity to the plot.

Otway’s work is noted for its exploration of the injustice of forced marriages and the cynical view of societal norms, reflecting the broader themes of Restoration drama. The dialogue is marked by clever repartee and humourous insults, capturing the essence of the period’s theatrical style.