Provoked Wife: A Comedy

The Provoked Wife is a Restoration Comedy written by John Vanbrugh in 1697. The play centers on Lady Brute, who grapples with the decision of whether to cuckold her coarse and unloving husband, Sir John Brute. Unlike Vanbrugh's earlier work, The Relapse, this play offers a more nuanced commentary on society and marriage, reflecting themes that resonate with contemporary audiences. Its exploration of marital dissatisfaction and female agency makes it a notable work in the genre.