Belle's Stratagem

Belle's Stratagem, written by Hannah Cowley in 1780, is a comedic play that serves as a female response to George Farquhar's The Beaux Stratagem. The play features strong female characters and explores themes of love and deception. Notable for its progressive portrayal of women in a male-dominated society, it highlights Cowley's skill in crafting witty dialogue and complex characters. The play remains significant for its contributions to the genre of comedy and its early feminist perspective.