free choice for women, which was a fairly radical viewpoint for his time. Symbolism Light and darkness have a strong presence in the play. Light is often associated with Carlos/Félix, representing the passionate love that he has for Paquita. Rita is often the bearer of lights, both because that is the realistic job of a servant and also because she usually knows the true nature of different situations. All of the servants are the voices of reason throughout the play. They calm their masters down and help them to decipher the truth through all the mistaken situations and identities. Although everyone (except Irene) maintains their decorum at all times, the servants help them maintain inner stability as well. Moratín criticizes some women of the upper classes through Irene. She is irritatingly needy and selfish and complains constantly. She tries to manipulate both Francisca and Diego in order to make her own life more comfortable. Notes References Banham, Martin, ed. 1998. The Cambridge Guide to Theatre. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. . External links Full text of The Young Lady's Consent (English translation by Christopher O. Kidder) Full text of The Maiden's Consent http://scholarworks.uno.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1628&context=td Plays by Leandro Fernández de Moratín 1806 plays 1801 plays