Two impoverished London rakes, Archer and Aimwell, arrive in the countryside with a calculated scheme to secure their fortunes through strategic marriages. The protagonists navigate the social hierarchies of rural England, assuming false identities to infiltrate the household of the wealthy Lady Bountiful. Their objective is complicated by the genuine emotional entanglements they form with the local women, forcing them to choose between their original mercenary motives and newfound personal integrity. The narrative unfolds through a series of witty exchanges and farcical misunderstandings, typical of the Restoration comedy tradition.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the play's enduring wit and its surprisingly progressive stance on the necessity of divorce for unhappy spouses. Discussion often centers on the contrast between the cynical, mercenary nature of the protagonists' initial plan and the genuine human connections they eventually form. Scholars note that the work serves as a significant bridge between the bawdy Restoration style and the more sentimental drama that followed. The character of Mrs. Sullen is often cited as a standout for her articulate critique of the domestic constraints placed upon women during the period. Overall, the play is regarded as a sophisticated example of late-period comedy that balances humor with social commentary.