William Congreve was a highly influential English playwright and poet. Congreve is generally credited for shaping the English comedy of manners through his sharp satirical wit. Congreve's popular plays include The Way of the World, Love for Love, and The Mourning Bride. The Old Bachelor is Congreve's first play. The action centers around Heartwell, an old man who pretends to hate women. Heartwell eventually falls in love with Silvia, a woman who is carrying a big secret.