The Disguising at Hertford

"The Disguising at Hertford" by John Lydgate is a theatrical performance from the 1400s that uses humor to look at marriage problems and the struggles husbands face with controlling wives. Taking place during royal celebrations at Hertford Castle, the play cleverly studies gender roles and how power works in marriages. The story follows husbands who present their complaints to the king about their bossy wives. Each husband humorously describes his troubles, showing the difficulties of marriage. The wives also give their side, creating a complex conversation. The king, as a fair judge, makes everyone think about the rules of marriage and power. The play’s ending encourages the audience to consider the power balance in marriages through funny arguments between the characters.