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is one of the latest of Jonson's works, and was preceded by plays of much higher quality, has caused few scholars to put the time and study on the play which are necessary to a more favorable estimate. Certain of the characteristic qualities of Elizabethan drama—charm, idealism, and poetic atmosphere-are not found in this play; but their absence is due to the nature of the type in which Jonson chose to work; it no more makes against the excellence of a play in its kind than the absence of realism and satire makes militates the literary value of

a romance.

In summary, the play has its defects and its qualities. In its use of monologues and long speeches, and its substitution of description for representation of character, it is dramatically defective; but its clearness and consistency of character-portrayal, its wit, humor, satire, and sound morality may be considered as positive qualities. And these considerations should be carefully weighed before the play is dismissed as merely one of Jonson's 'dotages.'

THE MAGNETIC LADY

OR

Humors Reconciled

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