William Wycherley

Definition

William Wycherley was a prominent English playwright of the Restoration period, best known for his comedic plays that satirized the social norms and moral values of his time. His works, particularly 'The Country Wife' and 'The Plain Dealer,' are celebrated for their sharp wit, clever dialogue, and exploration of themes such as sexual politics and the hypocrisy of societal conventions. Wycherley's contributions to drama reflect the cultural shifts following the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy, where theatre became a major form of entertainment and social commentary.

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, significantly shaping the genre's development.
2. His works often featured strong, witty female characters who challenged the male-dominated society of his time.
3. Wycherley's plays were notable for their use of double entendres and innuendos, making them controversial yet popular among audiences.
4. He was influenced by French playwrights like Molière, which can be seen in his comedic style and character development.
5. Despite facing criticism for their explicit content, Wycherley's plays were performed frequently during his lifetime and had a lasting impact on English theatre.

Review Questions

• How did William Wycherley’s works reflect the social changes during the Restoration period?
  • William Wycherley's plays mirrored the dramatic social changes that occurred during the Restoration period by exposing the shifting attitudes towards sexuality and class dynamics. His use of humor and satire critiqued the moral hypocrisy prevalent in society, illustrating how individuals navigated their desires within restrictive social norms. By creating characters that often subverted traditional roles, Wycherley contributed to a more liberated theatrical landscape that echoed the broader cultural shifts following the return of Charles II.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Country Wife' in terms of its themes and character portrayals.
  • 'The Country Wife' is significant for its bold exploration of themes such as sexual desire, deception, and societal hypocrisy. The central character, Horner, employs a ruse to gain access to the wives of prominent men, highlighting both the vulnerabilities and desires of women in a patriarchal society. Through sharp dialogue and witty interactions, Wycherley critiques the double standards surrounding sexual behavior while showcasing strong female characters who assert their agency despite societal constraints.
• Evaluate William Wycherley's legacy in Restoration literature and his influence on subsequent playwrights.
  • William Wycherley's legacy in Restoration literature is marked by his innovative approach to comedy and his fearless commentary on contemporary societal issues. His mastery of wit and character complexity set a benchmark for future playwrights, including George Etherege and later figures like Oscar Wilde. By challenging conventions through satire and exploring human desires candidly, Wycherley paved the way for more progressive narratives in theatre, influencing how relationships and morality are depicted in literature well beyond his era.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A genre of English comedy that emerged after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, characterized by its focus on wit, sexual intrigue, and the exploration of contemporary social mores.

The Country Wife: One of Wycherley's most famous plays, known for its bold exploration of sexual desire and social pretensions, centering on the character of Horner, who feigns impotence to seduce women.

Satire: A literary technique used to criticize and ridicule societal flaws and human vices, prevalent in Wycherley's works as he addressed issues like hypocrisy and moral double standards.