A Bold Stroke for a Husband (eBook)

Hannah Cowley (1743–1809) was an esteemed English playwright and poet whose work made a significant impact during the late 18th century, an era now referred to as the age of sensibility. Cowley's literary style was heavily influenced by the socio-cultural context of her time, marked by the valorization of emotion and the burgeoning feminist consciousness. In her career, Cowley penned numerous plays, with her most acclaimed being 'The Belle's Stratagem' and 'A Bold Stroke for a Husband.' While the latter does not reach the same fame as the former, it still showcases Cowley's sharp wit and keen understanding of dramatic structure that often centered around themes of marriage, gender roles, and female agency. 'A Bold Stroke for a Husband' is notable for its lively plot and complex characterization, which revealed Cowley's ability to engage with theatrical conventions while simultaneously challenging societal norms. Her work contributed to the 'comedy of manners' genre, with an emphasis on rigorously criticizing and satirizing the status quo of her time. Reminiscent of her contemporaries, such as Sheridan and Goldsmith, Cowley's legacy endures through her innovative contributions to literature and her role in pushing the boundaries of female authorship during a period when women's voices were frequently marginalized.