Symbolic names
Many of the names in the text are symbolic, telling us something about their character or their role in the play. For example, the name “Justice Balance” refers to the character’s position as a Judge, whose responsibility is to restore order and justice. The name “Lady Capital” gives us an idea of her wealth, and “Captain Plume” suggests he is vain. “Mr. Worthy” is also an interesting choice of name, as this character spends much of the text trying to prove his worth to Melinda.
Money
Money represents power and desirability in this text. At the beginning of the play, both Sylvia and Melinda are not in a position of power as they are courting wealthier men. As a result, they try to convince the men to marry them. However, when the women come into wealth of their own, surpassing that of the men, they aren’t as interested. In this text, people are literally worth more if they have more money. This is part of Farquhar’s satirical criticism of the upper classes.
Justice Balance's house
Justice Balance is a judge, and his home is a key setting in the play. His mansion is a symbol of his wealth and social standing, and after the death of his son, it becomes representative of Sylvia’s wealth. This is the setting in which the conflicts of the play are resolved, and where Sylvia and Plume become engaged. Therefore, it also symbolizes order, which makes sense as the character is a judge, whose responsibility is to restore order to the community.
Disguise
Disguise is a recurring motif in this text. Many characters use disguise to find out information, manipulate others and enter spaces they are forbidden to enter. For example, Sylvia dresses as a man to cause disruption and confusion, and to enter the town after she has been forbidden by her father. Later, Kite dresses as a fortune teller in order to convince people to join the army.
Disguise is a key aspect of the comedic genre and is a feature of many plays written during the Restoration Period. Disguise is often used for comedic purposes, creating physical humor and plot confusion.
