Images of women-loving-women were established enough in 16th century England to appear as a character type that was not so much defined as simply assumed, and therefore was available for reference both explicitly and obliquely. Within this general type, there were clear distinctions made between the motifs of desire between women and sexual acts between women. This chapter explores evidence for this character type in non-dramatic sources that were available to early modern English playwrights and their audiences.
The Troublesome and Hard Adventures in Love (Robert Codrington)
17th century English story in which two heterosexual lovers are disguised as country maids but perceived as engaging in same-sex affection.
