William Congreve

Date of Birth: January 24, 1670

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 19, 1729

Biography

William Congreve was an English playwright and poet known for his sharp wit and for his influence on the comedy of manners genre. Born in Bardsey, West Yorkshire, England, he was educated at Kilkenny College in Ireland and later at Trinity College, Dublin. Congreve is best known for his plays, such as “The Way of the World” and “Love for Love,” which are celebrated for their clever dialogue and satirical portrayal of Restoration society. Besides his success in the theatre, Congreve was also a respected poet and a member of the literary circle that included Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope. His work significantly contributed to the development of English comedy and he remains a notable figure in English literature.

5 Interesting Facts about William Congreve

1. William Congreve was a master of the comedy of manners, a genre that satirizes the manners and affectations of a social class.

2. He was educated at the same school as Jonathan Swift, Kilkenny College, and they remained lifelong friends.

3. Congreve’s play “The Way of the World” is considered one of the finest examples of Restoration comedy.

4. Despite his success as a playwright, Congreve wrote only five plays, choosing to focus on other literary pursuits and his political career.

5. Congreve was buried in Westminster Abbey, a testament to his significant contribution to English literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Congreve

1. “Music has charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”

2. “He who closes his ears to the views of others shows little confidence in the integrity of his own views.”

3. “Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing.”

4. “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.”

5. “Say what you will, ’tis better to be left than never to have been loved.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by William Congreve is not well-documented, but his success as a playwright and his political appointments would have afforded him a comfortable lifestyle.