The Merry Wives of Windsor


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.2 stars; 36 reviews)

The Merry Wives of Windsor is a lively comedy by William Shakespeare that centers on the misadventures of Sir John Falstaff, a rotund knight with a penchant for scheming. Set in the bustling town of Windsor, this play uniquely explores the lives and relationships of the Elizabethan middle class, showcasing the wit and cunning of its female characters.

As Falstaff attempts to woo two married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, he finds himself entangled in a web of deception and hilarity. The clever wives, however, are not easily fooled and devise their own plans to teach him a lesson. Themes of love, jealousy, and the battle of the sexes unfold in a series of humorous encounters.

Shakespeare's only play focused entirely on contemporary life, The Merry Wives of Windsor offers a delightful glimpse into the social dynamics of its time, blending farce with sharp commentary on human nature. With its rich characterizations and playful dialogue, this work remains a distinctive entry in the Shakespearean canon.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Act 1 30:50 Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Act 2 33:50 Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Act 3 36:32 Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Act 5 28:21 Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Act 5 18:48 Read by LibriVox Volunteers

Reviews

It was o.k.


(2 stars)

I read the play along with listening to it. The actors skip several key lines.

good cast, mediocre play


(3 stars)

the cast did a good job of reading


(5 stars)

Great stuff not shakey's best play but good work by the actors thank you!