George Farquhar (1677 â€" 29 April 1707) was an Irish dramatist. He is
noted for his contributions to late Restoration comedy, particularly
for his plays The Constant Couple (1699), The Recruiting Officer
(1706) and The Beaux' Stratagem (1707).Born in Derry, Farquhar was one
of seven children born to William Farquhar, a clergyman of modest
means. The author of "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," a biographical
sketch prefixed to certain 18th century editions of his works, claims
that FarquharHe was educated at Foyle College and later entered
Trinity College, Dublin at age 17 as a sizar under the patronage of
the Bishop of Dromore, who may have been related to Farquhar's mother.
Farquhar may have initially intended to follow his father's profession
and become a clergyman, but was "unhappy and rebellious as a student"
and left college after two years to become an actor. 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," but another story of uncertain veracity has him being
expelled from Trinity College due to a "profane jest."
noted for his contributions to late Restoration comedy, particularly
for his plays The Constant Couple (1699), The Recruiting Officer
(1706) and The Beaux' Stratagem (1707).Born in Derry, Farquhar was one
of seven children born to William Farquhar, a clergyman of modest
means. The author of "Memoirs of Mr. George Farquhar," a biographical
sketch prefixed to certain 18th century editions of his works, claims
that FarquharHe was educated at Foyle College and later entered
Trinity College, Dublin at age 17 as a sizar under the patronage of
the Bishop of Dromore, who may have been related to Farquhar's mother.
Farquhar may have initially intended to follow his father's profession
and become a clergyman, but was "unhappy and rebellious as a student"
and left college after two years to become an actor. 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," but another story of uncertain veracity has him being
expelled from Trinity College due to a "profane jest."
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