Theory question 107
Other Set Texts: Non-African DramaLiterature 2, Section B. Richard B. Sheridan: The Rivals
Discuss the character and role of Lydia Languish in the play.
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Lydia is a young, wealthy heiress, niece and ward of Mrs Malaprop.
She is over-romantic, filled with ideas from sentimental novels from the circulating library.
She wants a poor lover and a secret elopement, and would accept losing part of her fortune to marry without her aunt's consent.
She is wilful, stubborn and capricious; she quarrels on purpose to make her romance more exciting.
Role: Captain Jack Absolute courts her disguised as the poor Ensign Beverley, which creates the main plot and its mistaken identities.
She is angry when she learns Beverley is Jack Absolute, but finally accepts him; through her Sheridan satirises sentimental romance.
She contrasts with the sensible Julia.
Cover both character and role.