William Wycherley

Definition

William Wycherley was a prominent English playwright of the Restoration period, best known for his witty comedies that satirize the manners and morals of his time. His work exemplifies the features of Restoration drama and is particularly associated with the Comedy of Manners genre, which focuses on the behavior and relationships of the upper class, often highlighting their hypocrisy and social pretensions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. William Wycherley was born in 1640 and became one of the leading figures in Restoration comedy during the late 17th century.
2. His works often include sharp social commentary, using humor to expose the flaws and absurdities within upper-class society.
3. Wycherley’s plays frequently feature complex plots that involve deception, mistaken identities, and romantic rivalries.
4. He was known for his explicit treatment of sexuality and relationships, which was considered bold for his time and contributed to the provocative nature of Restoration drama.
5. Despite facing censorship issues due to the explicit content in his plays, Wycherley's works remained popular and influential, impacting later playwrights in the genre.

Review Questions

• How did William Wycherley contribute to the development of Restoration comedy, particularly in terms of themes and character types?
  • William Wycherley played a crucial role in shaping Restoration comedy through his focus on themes such as sexual desire, social hypocrisy, and marital infidelity. His characters often represented archetypes of the upper class, displaying exaggerated traits that highlighted societal flaws. By crafting intricate plots filled with witty dialogue and comedic situations, Wycherley helped define the genre's characteristics while providing a critical lens on contemporary societal norms.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Country Wife' in relation to Wycherley's portrayal of gender roles and sexual politics during the Restoration period.
  • 'The Country Wife' is significant because it showcases Wycherley's exploration of gender roles and sexual politics in a time when such topics were often taboo. The play features strong female characters who manipulate their circumstances, contrasting with the male characters' often foolish pursuits. By depicting women's cunningness and agency, Wycherley challenges traditional notions of femininity while critiquing the hypocrisy within male-dominated society.
• Evaluate how Wycherley's style reflects broader cultural shifts during the Restoration period, particularly in relation to social behavior and attitudes towards sexuality.
  • Wycherley's style reflects broader cultural shifts during the Restoration by embracing a more liberated attitude towards sexuality and social behavior. His candid depiction of sexual relationships and societal norms aligns with the era's movement towards openness following decades of Puritanical rule. By satirizing the pretensions and moral failings of his characters, Wycherley not only entertained audiences but also prompted them to reconsider established values, marking a significant transition in English drama that mirrored changing societal attitudes.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy:

A genre of comedic plays that emerged in England after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, characterized by its focus on the lives of the upper class and the use of witty dialogue.

Comedy of Manners: A type of comedy that examines and satirizes the behaviors, customs, and social norms of a specific social class, often featuring intricate plots revolving around romantic entanglements.

The Country Wife: One of Wycherley's most famous plays, known for its clever humor and exploration of themes such as sexual desire and marital infidelity.