William Wycherley Quotes
A collection of quotes by William Wycherley.
William Wycherley was a renowned English playwright born in 1640. He grew up in a wealthy family in Shropshire, England. Wycherley received his education in London, studying at the Inns of Court, but his true passion was for literature and playwriting. He wrote several influential plays in the Restoration comedy genre.
Wycherley gained fame with his most successful work, "The Country Wife," which was first performed in 1675. This bawdy and satirical comedy play, filled with wit and double entendres, explored the themes of marriage, infidelity, and social norms of the time. Despite facing some controversy due to its explicit content, the play enjoyed considerable popularity, establishing Wycherley as a prominent playwright of his era.
Throughout his career, Wycherley's work often targeted the upper class and the hypocrisy within aristocratic society. His plays, such as "The Plain Dealer" and "The Gentleman Dancing Master," highlighted the moral corruption, duplicity, and deception prevalent among the elite.
However, Wycherley's success was short-lived. After a series of scandals and legal troubles, including an affair with the Countess of Drogheda, he was imprisoned for debt in 1704. During his imprisonment, he experienced declining health and financial difficulties.
Despite the turbulent end to his life, William Wycherley's plays left an indelible mark on English literature. His works continue to be celebrated as examples of Restoration comedy, and he is remembered as one of the key contributors to the genre's development.
