Thomas Shadwell (1) (1642–1692)

Written two generations after Shakespeare, in a language reminiscent of the bard, but much more tedious. It utilizes a technique common in Shakespeare - the lovers forbidden to meet by the guardian, the lovers loving the wrong people, and plenty of mistaken identity. But the plot drags on much longer than its welcome, and begins to drag long before it reaches resolution. It is also amusing to note the scientific ideas in the play, some of which were so far off base as to be totally ridiculous, but the author appeared to be laughing at the ideas that science has actually demonstrated to be accurate. An interesting piece of history, but little more.… (mais)