Plays, written by Sir John Vanbrugh, volume the second

"Plays" by Sir John Vanbrugh is a collection of theatrical works written in the early 18th century. This volume includes plays like "The Confederacy," "The Mistake," "The Country House," "A Journey to London," and "The Provok'd Husband," showcasing a satirical look at societal norms and relationships in Vanbrugh's time. The characters navigate themes of love, deception, and class distinction, with a focus on both humorous and critical examinations of their society. The opening of "Plays" introduces the play "The Confederacy" and centers around characters discussing their struggles with money, societal expectations, and the follies of social ambitions. It features Mrs. Amlet, a seller of various beauty items, lamenting her poor financial state while interacting with her neighbor Mrs. Cloggit. Their dialogue reveals the pressures of living beyond social means, as Mrs. Amlet discusses her hope of marrying her son to a wealthy woman, despite his reckless behavior. The introduction of Dick, Mrs. Amlet's son, establishes him as a roguish yet charming character entangled in schemes to improve his fortunes. This sets the tone for a comedic exploration of social aspirations and personal misadventures that lie ahead in the narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir John Vanbrugh was an English architect, dramatist and herald, perhaps best known as the designer of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. He wrote two argumentative and outspoken Restoration comedies, The Relapse (1696) and The Provoked Wife (1697), which have become enduring stage favourites but originally occasioned much controversy. He was knighted in 1714.