"A Chaste Maid in Cheapside" is a Jacobean era comedy by English playwright Thomas Middleton, first performed in 1613, first edition in 1630. The play is a satire of the social and economic mores of early 17th century London.
The story revolves around the Moll family, who live in Cheapside and are trying to climb the social ladder. The patriarch of the family, Sir Walter Moll, is a wealthy grocer who is determined to secure a noble title for himself and his family. He hopes to achieve this by arranging a marriage between his daughter, Moll, and Sir Walter Whorehound, a wealthy knight.
However, Moll is secretly in love with Touchwood Junior, a young gentleman who is in love with her as well. The play follows the various schemes and subterfuges employed by the characters as they try to achieve their various goals and desires.
"A Chaste Maid in Cheapside" is notable for its sharp satire and bawdy humor, as well as its exploration of themes of greed, lust, and social climbing. Middleton's writing is witty and irreverent, poking fun at the hypocrisies and follies of the London society of his day.
The play also features a colorful cast of characters, including a cuckolded husband, a crafty and manipulative midwife, and a group of young lovers who must navigate the complicated social and economic landscape of early 17th century England.
Overall, "A Chaste Maid in Cheapside" is a lively and entertaining comedy that provides a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural world of Jacobean England.
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