Date of Birth: 1636
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Date of Death: 1692
Biography
Sir George Etherege, born in 1636, was an influential English dramatist and a key figure in the Restoration comedy movement. He is best known for his sparkling comedies that deftly capture the manners and mores of the English upper classes. His most famous works include “The Comical Revenge” (1664), “She Would If She Could” (1668), and “The Man of Mode” (1676), the latter of which features the iconic character Dorimant, often considered a prototype for the rake figures in later literature. Etherege was born into a well-off family in Maidenhead, Berkshire. He was educated at Lord Williams’s School and later at Cambridge University, although he left without taking a degree. After his education, he traveled to France, where he was influenced by the French stage and its emphasis on wit and refined manners. Upon his return to England, Etherege started working as a playwright and quickly gained popularity. His works were characterized by their clever dialogue, sophisticated humor, and keen observation of contemporary society. Though he wrote only a few plays, they had a lasting impact and are still studied for their literary merit and historical significance. Etherege was knighted in 1683 and later served as a diplomat in Germany. He died in 1692, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost dramatists of the Restoration era.
5 Interesting Facts about George Etherege
1. George Etherege is credited with introducing the comedy of manners style to English drama.
2. His play “The Man of Mode” is often considered his masterpiece and is a staple in studies of Restoration literature.
3. Etherege was knighted by King Charles II in 1683 for his contributions to English literature.
4. He spent time in France and was heavily influenced by French theatre, which shaped his writing style.
5. Etherege also served as a diplomat, representing English interests in Ratisbon (now Regensburg, Germany).
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Etherege
1. “The gallant who would be thought to have a fine wit, must pretend to be a critic.”
2. “When a lady’s in the case, You know all other things give place.”
3. “In love, unlike most other passions, the memory of what you have had, and lost, is always better than what you can hope for.”
4. “The way to be merry is not to mind the world.”
5. “To love and be wise is scarcely granted even to a god.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Etherege’s exact net worth is not documented, but as a successful playwright and a knighted individual, he was likely quite prosperous for his time.
Children
There are no documented records of George Etherege having any children.
Relevant Links
1. [George Etherege – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Etherege
2. [The Man of Mode – Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/13726
3. [George Etherege – Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Etherege
5. [Restoration Comedy – Literary Articles](https://literariness.org/2018/03/23/restoration-comedy/
