The Accomplish’d Rake, written by Mary Davys and published in 1727, provides a psychological account and transformation of the stock figure of the Rake, detailing the life and exploits of Sir John Galliard, a “modern fine gentlemen” [1] In her work, Davys sought to create a realistic character details, focusing on moral development and reform of her heroes and heroines.
Davys begins the text by describing Sir John’s family: his mother has the “best blood in the Nation” but lacks education and is temperamental.
His father’s dying request was that his wife teach his young son and daughter be given “an early notion of virtue and honor.” He encourages his son to “despise and shun those Libertines who may strive to poison your Morals, be dutiful to your Mother, love your Sister, and marry a Woman of virtue.” Upon his father’s death, Sir John is left sole heir of the estate.
Friendly then proposes that Sir John begin learning from his acquaintance, a tutor named Mr. Teachwell.
Two years later, Tom’s uncle dies and with Sir John’s permission, he makes plans to leave to attend to his affairs.
Once Lady Galliard has left, Teachwell tells Sir John of his mother’s affair with the footman, Tom.
Tom tells Lady Galliard he will not speak a word of the affair in exchange for a large sum of money.
Friendly dies of consumption in Bath, and Sir John travels to London to stay with Mr.
He devises a plan to drug macaroons and give them to Miss Friendly, and rape her while she is incapacitated.
Miss Friendly agrees but requests partial ownership to his estate, and that her son be named full heir by an act of Parliament.
Many of Davys’s female characters are raped and married or pressured into marriage, which suggests a desire for a “utopian husband”.
[3] In addition to utilizing stock dramatic characters such as the Rake, Davys also used devices such as “a misplaced letter, an overheard conversation or a lost snuff box”[1] to contribute to plot intricacies and overall structural flow.