The Changeling

Considered by critics to be one of the best tragedies of the English Renaissance, The Changeling was written by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley and first published in book form in 1653. Beatrice-Joanna is betrothed to Alonzo but in love with Alsemero. She convinces De Flores, who is in love with her, to help her be free of Alonzo - by murdering him. In a comic sub-plot, Alibius' young wife Isabella has two admirers, Franciscus and Antonio, who pretend to be madmen in order to see her.