A Woman Killed with Kindness is a domestic
tragedy play by Thomas Heywood. It was first
performed 1603 and published in 1607.
The 17th century tragedy by Heywood's A Woman Killed with Kindness is based from an Italian novel by Illicini, which was translated into English and
published in The Palace of Pleasure by William Painter.
The plot tells the story of a married couple, country gentleman John Frankford and his wife Anne Acton. Their married life is ruined when Anne is caught in adultery with her lover, Wendoll, a house guest. Frankford punishes his wife not with death or harsh treatment but by sending her to live in a lonely but comfortable house, away from their children or himself. Full of remorse, she dies, but receives forgiveness from Frankford in her dying moments.
In the play's subplot, Anne, the adulterous wife is contrasted with the virtuous Susan Mountford. Sir Charles Mountford tries to prostitute his sister, Susan, to Sir Francis Acton, Anne Frankford's brother, to whom he is deeply in debt. However, Susan retains her virtue. In the end, Sir Francis Acton marries Susan and discharges the debts of Sir Charles Mountford.
A Woman Killed by Kindness has been considered Heywood's masterpiece.