Via Spiritus (Jan 2011)
A Mulher sábia e prudente : aproximações
Abstract
The article on A Wise and Prudent Woman (from an original by Goldoni) begins with some information on Portuguese versions with different titles (1768 and 1778), it analyses a later handwritten copy (1784) and following that, dwells on the consideration of the argument and on character analysis. The plot essentially concentrates on the sensible and efficient way in which the protagonist acts, initially exchanged by her husband for a lover of higher social position and rehabilitating her marriage through finely interwoven stratagems without harming anyone. In the end, everyone is grateful to her and even the servants learn their lessons, one of which is, no doubt, that of the required mutual understanding for a happy marriage.
