The Honest Whore

Roles

• Candido - Young Adult (20-35), Adult (36-50), Male

About this piece

Candido explains to the Duke why he is always so calm

Summary

The play is set in Milan and has 3 main storylines. In the first the Duke of Milan has feigned his daughter Infelice's death so that she can end her relationship with Hipolito, who he detests since he is the son of an old enemy. Hipolito however, can't get over it, and decides not to pursue any other women. Eventually he learns of the set up by the Duke of Milan, he is reunited with Infelice and they get married. Another storyline is about a prostitute, Bellafront, falling in love with Hipolito. She tries several times to seduce him but Hipolito scorns her and rejects her. She gives up her life as a prostitute, pretends to be mad but eventually helps Hipolito be reunited with Infelice. The third storyline is not connected to the other two until the very last scene. It is the story of a recently married couple, Candido and Viola. Candido is so calm and peaceful that is driving his wife mad. Throughout the play she tries in various ways to anger him and make him show some emotion but never succedes. Eventually she manages to convince two policemen that he husband is mad and he is sent to an insane asylum, the same where Bellafront is now held and where Hipolito marries Infelice at the end of the play when he is reunited with her. In the final scene we are at the insane asylum of Bethlem. The Duke is also there because he has learned of the impending marriage of his daughter to Hipolito and tries to stop it. In the end they marry and the Duke accepts it. The Duke also meets Candido and decides to release him as he understands that he is not mad. He asks him "what comfort do you find in being so calm?" and Candido explains the benefits of never losing patience.

Tone

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