The Duenna

The Duenna is a play written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, first performed in 1775. The play is set in Spain and follows the story of a young man named Don Antonio who is in love with Clara, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. However, Clara’s father wants her to marry a wealthy nobleman named Don Ferdinand. To avoid this, Don Antonio enlists the help of his friend, Don Jerome, to find a suitable duenna (chaperone) for Clara so that they can spend time alone together. Don Jerome hires a duenna named Duenna Louisa, who is actually Clara’s mother in disguise. This leads to a series of mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and comical situations as Don Antonio and Clara try to hide their love from everyone else. Meanwhile, Don Ferdinand, who is also in love with Clara, tries to win her over by disguising himself as a poor student. The play is a classic example of the comedy of manners, a genre that satirizes the social conventions and behaviors of the upper class. It also explores themes of love, marriage, and class distinctions. The Duenna was well-received during its time and is still performed today.Jerome. Very well, ma’am, then mark me--never more will I see or converse with you till you return to your duty-- no reply--this and your chamber shall be your appartments, I never will stir out without leaving you under lock and key, and when I’m at home no creature can approach you but thro’ my library--we’ll try who can be most obstinate-- out of my sight--There remain till you know your duty.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.