Overview

The Merry Wives of Windsor is a comedy play by William Shakespeare that was published in 1602. It follows the character of Sir John Falstaff, who tries to seduce two married women in order to gain access to their husbands. However, the clever wives, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, outwit Falstaff with comedic and mischievous antics. The play explores themes of love, jealousy, and the foibles of human nature, providing a farcical depiction of social dynamics in Elizabethan England.

Read the full play summary, the full play analysis, and a complete list of character descriptions from The Merry Wives of Windsor.

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