Auteur: Thomas Otway

Thomas Otway (1652–1685) was an English dramatist of the Restoration period, whose works and literary style reflect the turbulence and romanticism of his era. Otway was born in Trotton, Sussex, and was educated at Winchester College and Christ Church, Oxford. He left university without a degree and ventured into the world of drama, finding moderate success with plays such as « Alcibiades » (1675) and « Don Carlos, Prince of Spain » (1676). However, it was with « The Orphan; Or, The Unhappy Marriage » (1680), a tragedy in five acts, that Otway achieved lasting fame. The play, renowned for its powerful emotional intensity and complex characterizations, is considered a masterpiece of Restoration tragedy, evoking the pathos and victimhood that would come to define much of Otway »s work. Otway »s writing style is characterized by its potent blend of political commentary and psychological depth, embodying the fears and desires of a class-stricken society. Despite his proficient literary output, Otway lived a life of financial instability and died at the age of 33 under obscure circumstances. His legacy continues to influence the evolution of tragic drama and he is often remembered for his evocative portrayal of human suffering and his contributory role in the development of sentimental tragedy.