William Wycherley

Date of Birth: 1641

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 1 January 1716

Biography

William Wycherley was a prominent English dramatist of the Restoration period, best known for his satirical plays that critique the manners and mores of his time. Born in 1641 in Clive, Shropshire, England, Wycherley was educated in France and at Queen’s College, Oxford. He gained fame with his witty, risque comedies such as “The Country Wife” (1675) and “The Plain Dealer” (1676). His work is characterized by sharp social commentary and clever dialogue, often reflecting the licentiousness and intrigue of the Restoration court. Wycherley’s life was as colorful as his plays. He served briefly in the Royal Navy before fully committing to his writing career. His connections with the court led to friendships with influential figures, including the Duke of Buckingham and King Charles II. Despite his success, Wycherley’s life was marred by financial difficulties and legal troubles, particularly after a disastrous marriage to the wealthy widow, the Countess of Drogheda, which resulted in prolonged litigation over her estate. Later in life, Wycherley continued to write but never recaptured the acclaim of his earlier works. He spent much of his later years in relative obscurity, passing away in 1716 in London. His contributions to English literature, however, remain significant, as he is often credited with shaping the Restoration comedy genre.

5 Interesting Facts about William Wycherley

1. Wycherley’s play “The Country Wife” is considered one of the most famous and controversial comedies of the Restoration period due to its explicit content and satirical edge.

2. He was briefly imprisoned for debt in 1684, a common fate for many writers of his time.

3. Wycherley was known to have a close relationship with King Charles II, who once paid off his debts to secure his release from prison.

4. He was married to the Countess of Drogheda, but their marriage was tumultuous and led to extensive legal battles over her estate after her death.

5. Despite financial struggles, Wycherley was a mentor to the young Alexander Pope, who admired his work and even helped edit one of Wycherley’s later collections of poems.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Wycherley

1. “Women serve but to keep a man from better company.”

2. “Hunger, revenge, to sleep are petty foes, But only death the jealous eyes can close.”

3. “Bluster, n. The sign of a man who hides his fear behind loud words.”

4. “Good fellowship and friendship are lasting, rational, and manly pleasures.”

5. “A mistress should be like a little country retreat near the town, not to dwell in constantly, but only for a night and away.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Wycherley’s net worth was substantial due to his successes in the theatre and his marriage to the wealthy Countess of Drogheda, although exact figures are not well-documented.