"The Provoked Wife" is a comedy play written by John Vanbrugh in 1697. It centers around the character of Lady Brute, who feels trapped in her unhappy marriage to the boorish Sir John Brute. The play explores themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations, highlighting the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. As the story unfolds, Lady Brute seeks to regain her independence and happiness. She devises a plan to provoke her husband into revealing his true nature, leading to humorous situations and insightful commentary on relationships. The play remains a significant work in the genre of Restoration comedy.