Richard Savage Quotes

A collection of quotes by Richard Savage.

Richard Savage (1697-1743) was a highly controversial and enigmatic figure in English literature. Born into poverty, he managed to gain notoriety as a poet, playwright, and political commentator during the Augustan Age. Savage was infamous for his turbulent life, marked by his run-ins with the law and his scandalous relationships.

Savage's most famous work was his semi-autobiographical poem, "The Bastard." The poem chronicles his struggles as an illegitimate child and his endeavors to navigate the social and political circles of his time. It garnered both praise and censure due to its provocative and unfiltered portrayal of society's hypocrisy and corruption.

Throughout his life, Savage faced numerous legal troubles, including being imprisoned for debt and being tried for murder. His involvement in a fatal altercation in a tavern led to accusations against him, although he was eventually acquitted. These events, along with his turbulent relationships and extravagant lifestyle, only added to his notoriety and public fascination.

Savage's life came to a tragic end when he died impoverished and alone in a Bristol jail. Despite the troubles that plagued him throughout his life, Savage's work and his controversial persona continue to captivate literary enthusiasts interested in the dramatic and tumultuous nature of 18th-century England.