School for Greybeards or The Mourning Bride - Hannah Cowley

A School for Greybeards; or, The Mourning Bride · Jul 18, 2026 · 2h 27m · transcript

"School for Greybeards or The Mourning Bride" by Hannah Cowley is a captivating comedy that explores the complexities of marriage and societal expectations through the lens of romance set in picturesque Portugal. Written in 1786, the play reflects Cowley's struggle against criticism, as she sought to navigate the contentious themes of love and commitment while avoiding backlash by relocating her narrative. Despite her efforts, she faced challenges that led to alterations in her original script, which she ultimately restored in this published version. The themes of defiance against societal…