Deaths on January 1

William Wycherley, English playwright and poet (b. 1641)

William Wycherley (baptised 8 April 1641 – 1 January 1716) stands as a pivotal English dramatist of the vibrant Restoration period. He is primarily celebrated for his two most enduring and influential comedies, The Country Wife and The Plain Dealer, which epitomize the sharp wit and sophisticated social commentary characteristic of the era's dramatic output. Wycherley's plays offer a unique and often cynical window into the complex societal norms, moral ambiguities, and amorous intrigues of late 17th-century England.

Who Was William Wycherley?

Born in Clive, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, William Wycherley's early life included studies at Queen's College, Oxford, though he departed without earning a degree. He also spent a formative period in France, a time that undoubtedly influenced his later dramatic style, imbuing it with a certain French wit and elegance. Upon his return to England, Wycherley quickly became a prominent figure within the glittering circles of King Charles II's court. This close association provided him with both the rich material for his biting satires of London society and the crucial patronage that allowed his theatrical career to flourish. While he briefly converted to Catholicism, a common practice for those seeking royal favour in that era, he later reverted to Protestantism, reflecting the religious fluidity and political expediency of the time.

The Restoration Period: A Flourishing Era for Drama

The Restoration period, which commenced with the triumphant return of King Charles II to the English throne in 1660 after the Puritanical Interregnum, marked a profound cultural rebirth, especially for English theatre. With the long-standing ban on public performances lifted, playhouses across London reopened their doors, ushering in an unprecedented age of dramatic innovation and spectacle. This era gave rise to the distinct genre of Restoration comedy, characterized by its scintillating dialogue, intricate plots revolving around themes of love, marriage, money, and social status, and often a candid, cynical exploration of human nature and the pervasive societal hypocrisy among the upper classes. William Wycherley emerged as one of the preeminent voices within this dynamic and exciting theatrical landscape, defining its characteristics through his seminal works.

Masterpieces of Wit and Satire: The Country Wife and The Plain Dealer

The Country Wife, first performed in 1675, remains arguably Wycherley's most renowned and, at times, controversial play. This bold and sexually charged comedy masterfully explores themes of sexual intrigue, reputation, and deceptive appearances. It features iconic characters such as Horner, the cunning rake who feigns impotence to gain access to married women, and the wonderfully naive Margery Pinchwife, the eponymous "country wife" who finds herself thrust into the corrupting world of London society. Its innovative use of highly suggestive double entendres and its frank portrayal of licentious societal mores made it an immediate sensation, albeit one that also drew significant criticism for its perceived moral laxity.

Appearing just a year later in 1676, The Plain Dealer showcases a distinctly more cynical and even misanthropic tone compared to its predecessor. While still fundamentally a comedy of manners, it blends comedic elements with a darker, more acerbic critique of pervasive hypocrisy, moral corruption, and the disillusionment often found beneath the polished surface of Restoration society. The play's protagonist, Manly, a brutal truth-teller, provides a stark contrast to the more lighthearted, farcical characters typical of other Restoration comedies, offering a deeper, more profound commentary on human deceit and social artifice.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Despite a relatively short period of intense and prolific writing, Wycherley's contributions to English drama are undeniably significant and enduring. His plays remain seminal examples of Restoration comedy, frequently studied for their linguistic brilliance, sophisticated plotting, and insightful, albeit often harsh, social commentary. He played a crucial role in shaping the conventions and themes of the genre, profoundly influencing subsequent playwrights and offering an invaluable historical window into the complex social dynamics, gender roles, and moral landscape of 17th-century England. His works continue to be performed and analyzed, proving their enduring relevance and powerful dramatic impact on contemporary audiences and scholars alike.

Frequently Asked Questions about William Wycherley

When was William Wycherley born and when did he die?

William Wycherley was baptised on 8 April 1641 and passed away on 1 January 1716, living to the age of 74.

What literary period is William Wycherley associated with?

Wycherley is famously associated with the English Restoration period (1660-1688), a vibrant era following the return of King Charles II, which saw a flourishing of arts, particularly theatre, after its Puritanical ban was lifted.

What are William Wycherley's most famous plays?

His two most celebrated and enduring plays are The Country Wife (1675) and The Plain Dealer (1676). Both are exemplary works of Restoration comedy, renowned for their wit, satire, and acute social commentary.

What are the key characteristics of Restoration comedy as seen in Wycherley's plays?

Restoration comedy, as exemplified by Wycherley, is characterized by its witty and often cynical dialogue, intricate plots, a strong focus on themes like love, marriage, money, and social status, and its satirical portrayal of the upper classes, often including elements of sexual frankness and social intrigue.