Rule a Wife and Have a Wife: Analysis of Major Characters
"Rule a Wife and Have a Wife" centers around themes of love, deception, and personal transformation within the context of romantic relationships. The play features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the intricate dynamics of marriage and courtship. Leon, a clever young Spanish gentleman, initially feigns cowardice but ultimately tames his wife, Margarita, a wealthy and impulsive woman who marries him to maintain her social standing while indulging her romantic desires.
Margarita's transformation from unprincipled to devoted wife highlights the play's exploration of personal growth through love. Supporting characters such as Don Juan de Castro, a fair-minded colonel, and Michael Perez, a fellow soldier who engages in mutual deceit with his wife, Estifania, also underscore the complexities of relationships built on false pretenses. Estifania, Margarita's scheming maid, adds another layer of intrigue as she manipulates her circumstances for personal gain.
The interactions among these characters, including Cacafogo, a comically inept suitor, and Altea, whose matchmaking efforts inadvertently secure a prosperous future for both her brother and friend, illustrate the broader societal norms and expectations surrounding marriage during this period. Overall, the play challenges traditional views on masculinity and authority within relationships, offering a multifaceted perspective on love and loyalty.
Rule a Wife and Have a Wife: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Fletcher
First published: 1647
Genre: Play
Locale: Spain
Plot: Comedy
Time: c. 1600
Leon (leh-OHN), a young Spanish gentleman. Pretending to be a cowardly soldier and a stupid oaf, he is married by Margarita in expectation of his being a tame husband; however, he tames his wife and overcomes his rivals.
Margarita (mahr-gahr-EE-tah), a rich and unprincipled young woman. Wishing to indulge her romantic passion indiscriminately but desiring to protect her reputation, she marries Leon. His cleverness and strength reform her and make her a faithful wife.
DonJuandeCastro (hwahn de KAHS-troh), a colonel and a successful, battle-proved veteran. A fair-minded man, he delights in Leon's actions and encourages them.
Michael Perez (PEH-rehs), a fellow soldier of Don Juan. He pretends to be wealthy to marry the attractive Estifania, whom he thinks wealthy. Their marriage, based on mutual deceit, is a rocky one, but it reaches a reasonable level of stability and happiness.
Estifania (ehs-tee-FAH-nee-ah), Margarita's wily maid. Living as a caretaker in Margarita's house, she pretends to be a wealthy lady. She cheats and steals from her masculine victims, including her husband, Michael. Finally, she and Michael settle down as dependents of Leon and Margarita.
The Duke of Medina (meh-DEE-nah), Margarita's projected lover. At first thwarted in his amorous attempts by Leon, he is finally completely discomfited by Margarita herself.
Cacafogo (kah-kah-FOH-goh), a fat, drunken coward. Thinking himself irresistible to women, he is cheated by Estifania and fooled by Margarita.
Altea (ahl-TEH-ah), Margarita's companion. Unknown to Margarita is the fact that Altea is Leon's sister. Her successful matchmaking gives her brother a rich and beautiful bride and her friend a stabilizing and redeeming husband.