American Poetry

"The Busie Body" is a comedy play written by the English playwright Susanna Centlivre. It was first performed in 1709 and quickly became one of Centlivre's most popular and enduring works. The play revolves around the character of Marplot, a well-meaning but bumbling busybody who inadvertently causes chaos and confusion as he meddles in the romantic affairs of others. Marplot's interference disrupts the plans of several couples, leading to a series of comic misunderstandings and mishaps.
At the heart of the plot is the love story between Miranda and Sir George, whose relationship is threatened by Marplot's interference. As Marplot becomes increasingly entangled in their affairs, the other characters must navigate his well-intentioned but disastrous meddling in order to achieve their own romantic goals.