Электронная книга: George Farquhar «The Inconstant»

George Farquhar

Infobox Writer
name = George Farquhar

George Farquhar (1677 or 1678The explanation for the dual birth year appears in Louis A. Strauss, ed., " [http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar] " (Boston: D.C. Heath & Co., 1914), p. v. Strauss notes that "Our sole source of information as to the time of his birth is the entry of his matriculation in the register of Trinity College" on July 17, 1694, where "His age is given as 17." Earlier biographers took this to mean Farquhar was in his 17th year--hence born in 1678--and Strauss favors this date. But later writers, such as William Myers, ed., " [http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays] ," ISBN 0192822497 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995), p. vii, give the dual year, and John Ross, ed., "George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer (New Mermaids)," 2nd ed., ISBN 0713633492 (London: A&C Black, 1991), p. xiii, gives a birthdate of "ca." 1677" for the playwright.] – April 29, 1707) was an Irish dramatist. He is noted for his contributions to late Restoration comedy, particularly for his plays "The Recruiting Officer" (1706) and "The Beaux' Stratagem" (1707).

Early life

Born in Derry, Farquhar was one of seven children born to William Farquhar, a clergyman of modest means.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. v
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] The author of "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," a biographical sketch prefixed to certain 18th century editionsAlex. Charles Ewald quotes from a slightly different version of these "Memoirs" in the introduction to his edition of " [http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar] " (London: John C. Nimmo, 1892), Vol. 1, p. vi-vii, and Strauss, op. cit, p. vi "et seq.," cites from but does not quote a biographical writing by "T. Wilkes" given in the 1775 Dublin edition of Farquhar which agrees in some but not all details with the version quoted in this article (referenced in the next note).] of his works, claims that Farquhar

cquote|discovered a Genius early devoted to the Muses. When he was very young, he gave Specimens of his Poetry; and discovered a Force of Thinking, and Turn of Expression, much beyond his Years."cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. iii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ]

He entered Trinity College, Dublin at age 17 as a sizar under the patronage of the Bishop of Dromorecite book
last = Ewald
first = Alex. Charles, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar
publisher = John C. Nimmo
date = 1892
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. v
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] , who may have been related to Farquhar's mother.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. v
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] Farquhar may have initially intended to follow his father's profession and become a clergyman,cite book
last = Ross
first = John, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer (New Mermaids, 2nd edition)
publisher = A&C Black
date = 1991
location = London
pages = p. xiii
url =
doi =
isbn = 0713633492 ] but was "unhappy and rebellious as a student" and left college after two years to become an actor.cite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. vii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ] His 18th century biographer claims that the departure was because "his gay and volatile Disposition could not long relish the Gravity and Retirement of a College-life," cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. iii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] but another story of uncertain veracity has him being expelled from Trinity College due to a "profane jest."cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. vi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

Acting career

Farquhar joined a company performing on the Dublin stage, probably through his acquaintance with the well-known actor Robert Wilks.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. vi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] However, Farquhar was reportedly not that impressive as an actor. We are told that "his Voice was somewhat weak"cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. iii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] and that "his movements [were] stiff and ungraceful."cite book
last = Ewald
first = Alex. Charles, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar
publisher = John C. Nimmo
date = 1892
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. vi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] But he was well-received by audiences and thought to continue in this career "till something better should offer."cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. iii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] Some of the roles reportedly played by Farquhar were Lennox in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," Young Bellair in "The Man of Mode" by George Etherege, Lord Dion in "Philaster" by Beaumont and Fletcher, and Guyomar in "The Indian Emperor" by John Dryden.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. vi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

But while he was performing in the Dryden play, an accident on stage put an end to Farquhar's acting career. As Guyomar, Farquhar was supposed to "kill" Vasquez, one of the Spanish generals in the drama. Forgetting to exchange his sword for a foil before enacting this scene, Farquhar severely wounded Price, the actor playing Vasquez. Although Price recovered, Farquhar resolved after this mishap to give up acting for good.cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. iii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. vi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] cite book
last = Ewald
first = Alex. Charles, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar
publisher = John C. Nimmo
date = 1892
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. vi-vii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

Writing career

Farquhar then left for London, "possibly with a draft of his first play in his portmanteau."cite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. vii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ] Some writers tie his move to that of his friend Wilks, who had received an offer from the manager of Drury Lane to come to London and join that theater,cite book
last = Ewald
first = Alex. Charles, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar
publisher = John C. Nimmo
date = 1892
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. vii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] and Wilks is also credited with encouraging Farquhar's efforts at writing plays.cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. iv
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. vii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

Farquhar's first comedy, "Love and a Bottle," was premiered in 1698; "for its sprightly Dialogue and busy Scenes," it is said to have been "well received by the Audience."cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. iv
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] Called a "licentious piece" by one scholarcite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. vii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ] , and cited as proof that Farquhar had "absorbed the stock topics, character-types, and situations of Restoration comedy" by anothercite book
last = Ross
first = John, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer (New Mermaids, 2nd edition)
publisher = A&C Black
date = 1991
location = London
pages = p. xiii
url =
doi =
isbn = 0713633492 ] , the play deals with Roebuck, "An "Irish" Gentleman of a wild roving Temper" who is "newly come to "London."cite book
last = Farquhar
first = George
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Love and a Bottle," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. 114 (Dramatis Personae)
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] The general character of the play can be evaluated by considering that in the opening scene, Roebuck tells his friend Lovewell that he has left Ireland due to getting a woman pregnant with twins (a boy and a girl) and to Roebuck's father trying to force Roebuck to marry the woman; however, Roebuck remarks, "Heav'n was pleas'd to lessen my Affliction, by taking away the She-brat."cite book
last = Farquhar
first = George
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Love and a Bottle," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. 121
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = Most of these plot details are pointed out by William Myers, "op. cit.," p. vii.]

After the favorable reception of "Love and a Bottle," Farquhar decided to devote himself to playwriting. He also at this point received a commission in the regiment of the Earl of Orrery, so his time for the next few years was divided between the vocations of soldier and dramatist.cite book
last = Ewald
first = Alex. Charles, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar
publisher = John C. Nimmo
date = 1892
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. vii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] It was also at about this time that Farquhar discovered Anne Oldfield, who was reading aloud a scene from "The Scornful Lady" at her aunt's tavern. Impressed, he brought her to the notice of Sir John Vanbrugh, and this led to her theatrical career, during which she was the first performer of major female roles in Farquhar's last comedies.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. viii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

In 1700, Farquhar's "The Constant Couple" was acted at Drury Lane and proved a great success,cite book
last = Ewald
first = Alex. Charles, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar
publisher = John C. Nimmo
date = 1892
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. viii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] helped considerably by his friend Wilks' portrayal of the character of Sir Henry Wildaircite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. iv
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] (a performance that Farquhar himself praised generously in his "Preface to the Reader" when the play was published).cite book
last = Ewald
first = Alex. Charles, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar
publisher = John C. Nimmo
date = 1892
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. 123
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] The playwright followed up with a sequel, "Sir Harry Wildair," the following year, and in 1702 wrote both "The Inconstant, or the Way to Win Him" and "The Twin Rivals." Also in 1702, Farquhar published "Love and Business," a collection that included letters, verse, and "A Discourse Upon Comedy."cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. ix
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

The next year, he married Margaret Pemell, "a widow with three children, ten years his senior," who reportedly tricked him into the marriage by pretending to have a great fortune.cite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. viii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ] His 18th century biographer records that "thoughhe found himself deceived, his Circumstances embarrassed, and his Family increasing, he never upbraided her for the Cheat, but behaved to her with all the Delicacy and Tenderness of an indulgent Husband."cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. vi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] He was engaged in recruiting for the army for the next three years, writing little except "The Stage Coach" in collaboration with Peter Motteux; this was an adaptation of a French play.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. x
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] He drew on his recruiting experience for his next comedy, "The Recruiting Officer" (1706).cite book
last = Anonymous
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," in The Works of the Late Ingenious Mr. George Farquhar... ("The Tenth Edition")
publisher = John Rivington et. al.
date = 1772
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. vi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=kDTUMPTssgsC
doi =
isbn = ] However, Farquhar had to sell his army commission to pay debts, reportedly after the Duke of Ormond advised him to do so, promising him another but failing to keep his promise.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. xi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

Early in 1707, Farquhar's friend Wilks visited him;cite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. ix
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ] Farquhar was ill and in distress, and Wilks is said to have "cheered him with a substantial present, and urged him to write another comedy."cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. xi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] This comedy, "The Beaux' Stratagem," premiered on March 8, 1707;cite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. ix
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ] we know from Farquhar's own statement prefacing the published version of the play that he wrote it during his sickness:

cquote|The reader may find some faults in this play, which my illness prevented the amending of; but there is great amends made in the representation,which cannot be match'd, no more than the friendly and indefatigable care of Mr. Wilks, to whom I chiefly owe the success of the play.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. 198
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

Farquhar died on April 29, 1707, not quite two months after the opening of this last play.cite book
last = Ewald
first = Alex. Charles, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar
publisher = John C. Nimmo
date = 1892
location = London
pages = Vol. I, p. xii
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ
doi =
isbn = ] He was buried in the Church of St. Martin in the Fields, London, on May 3.cite book
last = Strauss
first = Louis A., editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = A Discourse Upon Comedy, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar
publisher = D.C. Heath & Co.
date = 1914
location = Boston
pages = p. xi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ
doi =
isbn = ]

Works referencing Farquhar

* The 1987 play, "Our Country's Good" by Timberlake Wertenbaker, revolves around the story of 18th century Australian convicts attempting to put on Farquhar's "The Recruiting Officer." Wertenbaker's play is based on a novel by Thomas Keneally.cite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. xi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ]
* Bertolt Brecht set his adaptation of "The Recruiting Officer," called "Pauken und Trompeten," in America during the Civil War.cite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. xi
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ]
* In Act III of "She Stoops to Conquer" by Oliver Goldsmith, Kate Hardcastle asks her maid, "Tell me, Pimple, how do you like my present dress? Don't you think I look something like Cherry in the "Beaux Stratagem"?" A theatrical notice in the "New York Times" for February 7, 1885 remarked that at that date Goldsmith's allusion was "all that the stage [had] known of George Farquhar for many a year." [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9A05E3D81F3BE033A25754C0A9649C94649FD7CF "Daly's Theatre" in the "New York Times" for February 7, 1885] , accessed on December 19, 2007]
* Alexander Pope famously refers to the playwright in the "The First Epistle of the Second Book of Horace, Imitated," where he comments (line 288), "What pert low Dialogue has Farqu'ar writ!" (It has been argued that this is not an attack by Pope on Farquhar, but an illustration of "how seldom ev'n the best succeed" two lines earlier.)cite book
last = Myers
first = William, editor
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = George Farquhar: The Recruiting Officer and Other Plays
publisher = Oxford University Press
date = 1995
location = Oxford
pages = p. xiii, note 15
url = http://books.google.com/books?id=B_efAAAACAAJ
doi =
isbn = 0192822497 ]

ee also

*List of Northern Irish writers
*Timberlake Wertenbaker

References

External links

*"The Dramatic Works of George Farquhar," [http://books.google.com/books?id=oIQ4AAAAIAAJ Vol. 1] and [http://books.google.com/books?id=aHE4AAAAIAAJ Vol. 2] .
*Farquhar's " [http://books.google.com/books?id=mB1MAAAAMAAJ A Discourse Upon Comedy] ."
*Project Gutenberg's text of " [http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/21334 The Beaux' Stratagem] ."
*worldcat id|id=lccn-n50-11055

Источник: George Farquhar