I'm wondering what to make of the play's portrayal of women. Lady Fidget and her "virtuous gang" seem to enjoy a rather masculine sexual freedom, yet they don't appear as troubled as the male characters of the play when they discover they are sharing Horner's favors. It doesn't seem that we should take an overly harsh or negative view of their behavior, but rather Sir Jasper's for being so credulous. In what ways might this relate to the significance of Lady Fidget having the last words of the play? She notes that "whilst to them you of achievements boast,/They share the booty, and laugh at your cost." Does this suggest the relationship between men who have shared the same sexual conquest is an issue of competition and power as contrasted with the "virtuous gang who are content to share?.
Also, Horner notes "A foolish rival and a jealous husband assist their rival's designs." Does this hint at a judgment about who is the greater fool in the play - one who knows he is being cuckholded or one who doesn't? The play shows that neither blind trust nor extreme scrutiny are effective methods of assuring a wife's fidelity. Does it suggest there are any effective methods or are women presumed to always cheat regardless of their husbands' behavior?
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