50 pages • 1 hour read
Richard SteeleThe Conscious Lovers
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1722A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Conscious Lovers, a comedy in five acts by Irish playwright Richard Steele, follows an impoverished but courageous young woman named Indiana Danvers, who is accused of being a prostitute, yet ultimately ends up with the man she loves, the young Bevil, after overcoming numerous misunderstandings and social obstacles, and demonstrates the rewards of virtuous behavior and the importance of obeying one's parents.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of Richard Steele's play The Conscious Lovers reveal it as a refined comedy that emphasizes moral lessons over the typical farcical elements of its contemporaries. Critics appreciate its wit and elevation of character virtues; however, some find its sentimentality and slower pacing less engaging. Overall, it is valued for its innovative approach to comedy and social commentary.
Who Should Read The Conscious Lovers?
Readers who appreciate works like Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or William Congreve's The Way of the World will enjoy Richard Steele's The Conscious Lovers. This play appeals to those who enjoy 18th-century comedy of manners, highlighting social mores and romantic entanglements with wit and elegance.