Magnetic Lady, or, Humours Reconciled

Benjamin Jonson (1572-1637) was a Renaissance dramatist, poet and actor, known best for his satirical plays and lyric poems. His career began in 1597 when he held a fixed engagement in "e;The Admiral's Men"e;, and although he was unsuccessful as an actor, his literary talent was apparent and he began writing original plays for the troupe. Although Jonson attained a long and thriving career, the majority of his major works for which he is revered were produced between 1605 and 1620. In his declining years he produced a number of works dubbed by Dryden as his "e;dotages,"e; and although less popular than his earlier plays, they remain significant for their portrayal of Charles I's England. His final comedy, "e;The Magnetic Lady, or Humours Reconciled,"e; tells the story of a chaotic but revealing dinner party, with the wealthy Lady Loadstone, her attractive young niece, Placentia Steel, a group of amorous but foolish suitors, and a few out of control female servants.