The Plays Of Robert Munford: The Patriots And The Candidates, The First Comic Plays Published In America

The first comic plays written in America. Originally published in 1798, they were probably written in the 1770s. Both The Patriots and The Candidates provide fascinating first-hand insights into early American culture, and commentary on basic issues of government which is still as relevant today as it was during the revolution. The Patriots focuses on the question of what true loyalty to one's country requires in wartime. Situated in the midst of the revolution, two true patriots - accused of Toryism - face a crowd of overzealous simpletons, hypocrites, secret tories, and men who use the war for personal gain. The Candidates describes a Virginia election for the House of Burgesses in the early 1770s, and was intended to mock corrupt candidates who attempt to gain votes they do not deserve. Munford pits two noble candidates against vain men, drunkards and simple minded fools who dare to run for office.