William Wycherley

William Wycherley (1640-1716), English dramatist, known as a master of Restoration comedy. He was born in Clive, Shropshire. After early schooling in France, he studied briefly at the University of Oxford and at the Inner Temple, London, where his interests were more literary than legal. His first comedy, Love in a Wood (1671), won him the patronage of the Duchess of Cleveland, mistress of Charles II. He then wrote three more scandalous comedies: The Gentleman Dancing-Master (1672), The Country Wife (1675), and The Plain Dealer (1676). All his plays reflect the ruthless mores of a profligate age and are characterized by exuberant, often bawdy, humour, witty dialogue, and solid construction. The earlier plays are stylized, somewhat artificial portraits of foppish London gallants and ladies of fashion; The Plain Dealer introduces a serious, satirical view of London society that verges on puritanism. Wycherley lost court patronage in 1680 when he married a rich Puritan widow. Ruined by litigation over her estate after her death, he spent seven years in debtors' prison. He was released and pensioned by James II.