Love in a Wood (play)

Love in a Wood; or, St. James's Park is a comedy play written by William Wycherley. It was first performed in 1671 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and published in 1672.

The play is a complex comedy of manners, revolving around the intrigues and amorous pursuits of various characters in St. James's Park, a popular meeting place for London society. It satirizes the fashionable follies and hypocrisies of the Restoration era, with particular focus on themes of love, lust, reputation, and social climbing.

Key characters include:

• Christina: A virtuous woman forced to live as the mistress of a dissolute nobleman.
• Ranger: A witty and opportunistic rake.
• Lady Flippant: A gossiping and somewhat foolish socialite.
• Sir Simon Addleplot: A naive and easily deceived country gentleman.

The plot involves mistaken identities, secret rendezvous, and a series of comedic misunderstandings as the characters navigate the social landscape of the park. Wycherley employs sharp wit and satirical commentary to expose the moral corruption beneath the veneer of polite society. The play’s ending sees several characters paired off, though not always according to traditional romantic ideals, reflecting the cynical view of love prevalent in Restoration comedy.