Dryden's Works Vol. 3

"Dryden's Works Vol. 3" by John Dryden is a compilation of plays, mixing lighthearted comedies with a solemn tragedy, that gives readers a snapshot of late 18th-century theatre. The collection includes stories like "Sir Martin Mar-All," a reworked version of a Moliere play, highlighting Dryden's skill in adapting French stories for English viewers. These stories tend to focus on the tricky parts of love, awkward social situations, and the ups and downs of being in love. Characters like the silly Sir Martin Mar-All, his competitor Sir John Swallow, and young women trying to find their way through dating create plots filled with schemes and funny misunderstandings. The volume starts with "Sir Martin Mar-All," and a playful prologue. Sir Martin is shown as a funny character who often gets things wrong and thinks too highly of himself. His smart servant, Warner, helps balance out Sir Martin’s craziness. The interactions with Lady Dupe and Mrs. Christian add another layer of mistaken love and humorous plans, all driven by characters trying to sort out their love lives amid social pressures and mistaken identities. The humor of the quick back-and-forth dialogue makes way for comedic drama to unfold.