Hannah Cowley (writer) facts for kids

Hannah Cowley was an English writer who created plays and poems. Even though her works weren't widely known after the 1800s, some experts like Melinda Finberg say she was "one of the foremost playwrights of the late eighteenth century." This means she was one of the best play writers of her time! People admired her ability to write lively, clever conversations and create fun, memorable characters. Her plays were often performed during her lifetime.

Her plays, like her first one, The Runaway (1776), and her biggest hit, The Belle's Stratagem (1780), often explored themes about marriage. They showed how women tried to overcome unfair situations caused by family life and society's rules.

Becoming a Playwright

Hannah was born Hannah Parkhouse on March 14, 1743, in Tiverton, England. Her father, Philip Parkhouse, was a bookseller. She later married Thomas Cowley, and they moved to London. Thomas worked for the government and was also a part-time journalist.

A story says that Hannah decided to become a writer very suddenly. While watching a play with her husband, she supposedly said, "So delighted with this? Why I could write as well myself!" Thomas teased her, but the very next day, Hannah showed him the first act of her comedy, The Runaway.

This play was sent to a famous actor and theater manager named David Garrick. It was then performed at the Drury Lane theater by February 15, 1776. The Runaway was quite successful, being performed 17 times in its first season. This encouraged Hannah to write even more plays.

Later Plays and Life

After her first success, Hannah Cowley wrote her most popular comedy, The Belle's Stratagem. This play was performed at Covent Garden in 1780. It was shown 28 nights in its first season and 118 times in London before the year 1800! This success helped her family financially.

She continued to write plays until 1794. Some of her other plays included Which is the Man?, A Bold Stroke for a Husband, and The Town Before You. However, none of these became as famous as her earlier works.

In 1783, Hannah's husband, Thomas Cowley, took a job with the British East India Company. He moved to India and left Hannah in London to raise their children. Thomas sadly died in India in 1797 and never returned to England.

Hannah's Poetry

Hannah Cowley also wrote poetry, though she is less known for it. She wrote The Scottish Village in 1786 and The Siege of Acre: an Epic Poem in 1801.

In 1787, she started writing poems under the pen name "Anna Matilda." She exchanged poems with another poet, Robert Merry, who wrote as "Della Crusca." Their poems were very emotional and playful. They later met and became part of a group of poets called the Della Cruscans. However, their style of poetry was later criticized for being too emotional.

Retirement and Legacy

Hannah Cowley's last play, The Town Before You, was performed in 1795. In 1801, she retired to Tiverton, where she had been born. She spent her final years quietly working on her plays. Hannah Cowley passed away in 1809.

Her Famous Plays

The Runaway (1776)

This play is about George Hargrave, who falls in love with a mysterious girl named Emily. Emily is a "runaway" who has been taken in by George's godfather. George's plans are complicated when his father wants him to marry a rich, older lady. When Emily's father tries to take her back, George chases after her. Luckily, George's godfather helps the young lovers by giving them land so they can be together.

Who's the Dupe? (1779)

In this comedy, Captain Granger wants to marry Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth's father, Abraham Doiley, wants her to marry the smartest man he can find, a scholar named Gradus. Elizabeth's friend Charlotte helps Gradus try to act more stylish and less like a bookworm. Meanwhile, Granger pretends to be a scholar to impress Doiley. Granger and Gradus have a funny contest to see who is more educated, and Granger wins by using made-up Greek words that still impress Doiley. Gradus ends up happy with Charlotte.

Albina (1779)

This is a more serious play. Albina, a young widow, is in love with a brave soldier named Edward. Even though she loves him, she hesitates to marry him. The Duke of Westmorland and Edward convince her to marry because Edward is going to war. However, a jealous woman named Editha and Lord Gondibert, who secretly loves Albina, try to trick Edward. Gondibert makes Edward believe Albina has been unfaithful. This leads to a misunderstanding and a dangerous situation, but in the end, the truth comes out, and Edward and Albina are reunited.

The Belle's Stratagem (1780)

This play is about Doricourt, who returns from Europe to meet his future wife, Letitia. He finds her acceptable but not as elegant as European women. Letitia, wanting to marry for love, pretends to be a rude and clumsy girl to make Doricourt not want to marry her. Meanwhile, everyone gathers at a masquerade ball. Letitia, in disguise, charms Doricourt without him knowing who she is. After some mix-ups and tricks, Doricourt realizes he loves the disguised woman. The next day, Letitia reveals her true identity to an overjoyed Doricourt, and they realize they are meant to be together.

A Bold Stroke for a Husband (1783)

This play involves Laura, who breaks up with Don Carlo but keeps documents that give her his land. We learn that Laura is in love with Florio, who is actually Victoria disguised as a young man. Meanwhile, Victoria's friend Olivia is trying to avoid marrying men her father, Don Caesar, has chosen for her. Victoria helps Olivia by having Olivia's servant pretend to be a rich uncle. This "uncle" convinces Laura that her land documents are worthless, so she tears them up. Victoria then reveals her true identity to Don Carlos, who realizes his mistake. Olivia also marries the man she truly loves.

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  Hannah Cowley