William Wycherley [Four Plays] (eBook)

William Wycherley (1641 – 31 December 1715) was an English dramatist of the Restoration period. He is best known for his satirical plays which reflect the social and political tensions of his time. Wycherley's literary career was predominantly during the late 17th century where the restoration of the monarchy had inaugurated a period of relative political stability, juxtaposed with cultural excess. His works are characteristically marked by sharp wit, candid portrayal of sexual mores, and an acerbic critique of hypocrisy, which has led scholars to regard him as an important predecessor to later satirists such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope. Wycherley's most notable plays include 'The Country Wife', 'The Plain Dealer', 'Love in a Wood', and 'Gentleman Dancing-Master', all of which are compiled in 'William Wycherley [Four Plays]' (Pearson, J. (Ed.). (1949). These plays are emblematic of Restoration comedy, a genre that often focused on sexual intrigue and the lives of the upper class. 'The Country Wife' is especially renowned for its clever plot contrivances and its insight into the debates concerning marriage and sexual morality. 'The Plain Dealer', inspired by Molière's 'Le Misanthrope', is celebrated for its satirical depth and complex main character. Wycherley's work was marked by his comedic brilliance and incisive social observation, and though he produced a relatively small body of work, his influence on English literature made a lasting impact, offering a vivid look into the Restoration era's cultural life and its mores. His plays continue to be studied and performed, testifying to the enduring nature of his contribution to English drama.