A libertine husband's attempt to secure his wife's fidelity through ignorance backfires spectacularly, igniting a web of deceit and desire. Horner, a notorious rake, feigns impotence to gain access to the city's married women, believing that a husband's ignorance is the surest path to his wife's virtue. His plan unravels when the jealous and suspicious Mr. Horner, a man of considerable wealth and little wit, attempts to protect his young wife, Margery, from the very corruption Horner embodies. The ensuing chaos exposes the hypocrisy and moral laxity of Restoration society, with Horner navigating a minefield of jealous husbands, scheming mistresses, and his own precarious reputation.

William Wycherley's 'The Country Wife' is a seminal work of Restoration comedy, celebrated for its sharp wit and audacious satire. Critics often highlight its unflinching portrayal of the sexual mores and social hypocrisies of 17th-century London, particularly its critique of marriage and female agency. The play's enduring appeal lies in its complex characters, particularly the titular 'country wife' and the libertine Horner, and its masterfully constructed plot filled with intrigue and bawdy humor. While some find its morality challenging by modern standards, its theatrical brilliance and insightful social commentary continue to provoke discussion and admiration.