Interesting post and thanks for the descriptions of stealthy weddings as it adds another dimension to Lydia’s romantic sensibilities; she is wealthy enough to make the Captain independent according to Sir Anthony and stealthy weddings as described seem a diversion for those who can be idle. Whimsical is a good description of the play for me. Part of this whimsy for me is that it is an exaggeration of behaviors from another time that are not unknown to me today. I associate many of the lover’s behavior with modern romances, especially teen romance—Lydia and her romantic rebellious notions, Captain Absolutes tricks, Faulkland’s insecurities, and Bob trying to fit in by following fads. Although they are extreme, Sir Anthony especially and Mrs. Malaprop, their attempts to guide the next generation is suspiciously fraught with the same frustrations parents trying to control a teens love life face today. The more things change, the more they stay the same. I think there is also something whimsical in the fact that no harm comes from any of the (at times) rather juvenile behavior of the characters, they are silly aside from Julia who personifies sense in the play—the duel comes to naught and even Sir Lucius’ descriptions of death and being shot are light and amusing. Lastly, on the whimsical aspect, IMO RBS avoids any perception of ridicule; the play has an overall feeling of gently making fun of behavior and stereotypes without contempt. :D