The Comical Revenge or Love in a Tub is a comedy written by Sir George Etherege. It was first
produced in 1664, also
published
in the same year. The play shows the influence of French playwright Moliere.
The comic plot concerns three characters, namely: Sir Frederick Frolick, Dufoy, and Sir Nicholas Cully. Sir Frederick Frolick is being wooed by a rich widow. Dufoy, an impudent valet, is being wedged into a tub by his irritated fellow servants. The third fellow, a country knight Sir Nicholas Cully, is being cheated by Palmer and Wheadle. Cully is married off to Lucy, the former mistress of Sir Frederick. Sir Frederick decides to marry the rich widow.
On the other hand, the serious plot is a satirical drama. Aurelia loves Colonel Bruce, who loves Graciana, the sister of Aurelia, but Graciana loves Lord Beaufort. Bruce and Beaufort quarrel over Graciana and fight a duel. Beaufort wins. In despair, Bruce tries to kill himself. Beaufort takes Graciana. Bruce recovers from his physical and emotional wounds, and is comforted by Aurelia.