Arrange the following plays in their chronological order:

A. The Country Wife
B. Cymbeline
C. The Spanish Tragedy
D. The Rivals

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Explanation:
The Spanish Tragedy (c. 1587–1590):
Written by Thomas Kyd, this play is one of the earliest examples of the revenge tragedy genre, influencing later dramatists like Shakespeare.
Cymbeline (c. 1610):
A play by William Shakespeare, this romantic tragedy combines themes of jealousy, love, and mistaken identity.
The Country Wife (1675):
A Restoration comedy by William Wycherley, it satirizes the hypocrisy and moral looseness of Restoration society.
The Rivals (1775):
Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, this comedy of manners features memorable characters like Mrs. Malaprop, showcasing humor through linguistic misunderstandings.

Information Booster:
Key Context and Genres:
The Spanish Tragedy: Initiated the revenge tragedy tradition, paving the way for Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Cymbeline: Reflects Shakespeare’s experimentation with romance and historical themes.
The Country Wife: Exemplifies the wit and sexual humor typical of Restoration comedies.
The Rivals: A landmark in the comedy of manners tradition, focusing on social pretensions and romantic entanglements.

Revenge Tragedy: Popularized by Kyd, the genre focuses on themes of vengeance, murder, and justice.
Restoration Comedy: Known for its risqué humor and satirical take on societal norms.
Shakespeare’s Late Romances: Plays like Cymbeline blend tragic and comic elements with magical realism.
Sheridan’s Influence: The Rivals and his other works shaped the development of modern comedy.