The Way of the World (William Congreve)

 About the Author

William Congreve (1670–1729) was one of the most important English playwrights of the Restoration period, famous for his witty comedies of manners. His major works include “The Old Bachelor” (1693), “The Double-Dealer” (1694), “Love for Love” (1695), “The Mourning Bride” (1697), and “The Way of the World” (1700). He is also a poet, critical essayist and translator. Congreve perfected ‘comedy of manners’ portraying the lives, fashions, and hypocrisies of the upper classes with sharp wit and irony. Though born in England, he was raised up in Ireland, joining the ranks of illustrious Irish comic writers such as Richard Sheridan, Oliver Goldsmith.

Characters in the Play

1.     Mirabell – The witty hero and central male character. He is in love with Millamant

2.     Millamant – The witty and fashionable heroine.

3.     Lady Wishfort – Millamant’s wealthy, aging, and vain aunt.

4.     Fainall – Lady Wishfort’s son-in-law.

5.     Mrs. Fainall – Daughter of Lady Wishfort and wife of Fainall. She was once Mirabell’s lover, but remains sympathetic to him.

6.     Foible – Lady Wishfort’s maid, who secretly assists Mirabell’s plan.

7.     Mincing – Millamant’s maid and confidante.

8.     Waitwell – Mirabell’s servant, who marries Foible

9.     Petulant – A foolish, foppish gentleman

10.  Witwoud – Student staying lay in Oxford University

11.  Sir Wilfull Witwoud – Country cousin of Witwoud.

Introduction

William Congreve's play, "The Way of the World", explores its depiction of Restoration England's high society, its exploration of themes like the "love game" between Mirabell and Millamant, mutual esteem in love, and individual freedom within relationships, and the play's commentary on the era's social customs and ideals.

Restoration Society

The play offers a satirical view of the manners, morals, and social dynamics of high society during the English Restoration period (after 1660).

The Love Game

Focus on the relationship between Mirabell and Millamant, which exemplifies the witty and strategic "love game" characteristic of the era. Their relationship is characterized by mutual esteem, intellectual equality, and a refusal to surrender individuality.
Themes of Marriage and Money

The play examines how financial considerations and social standing influence marriage and personal relationships, particularly through the complex events surrounding the provision of marriage for Millamant.

Individualism vs. Societal Pressure

The play explores the tension between the characters' desires for individual fulfillment and happiness, and the societal pressures to conform to traditional expectations, especially regarding marriage and inheritance.

"The Way of the World": A Satrical Comedy

The Way of the World is driven by witty exchanges rather than dramatic plot twists, creating a cohesive world inhabited by sophisticated characters free from the constraints of realism or farce. Critics have noted that the play's elaborate plot can seem convoluted, yet it primarily serves as a backdrop for its rich dialogue. Despite initial criticisms of its artificial plot, the play's focus on ridiculing false wit and societal pretensions has led to its enduring popularity and frequent revivals.

Restoration Comedy Themes

Restoration comedy often explores the behavior of polite society and the dynamics within sexual relationships, using wit that ranges from sharp satire to subtle commentary. Though Congreve occasionally slips into repetitive patterns, his work is marked by a sensitivity to human nature and the complexities of love, avoiding the outright cynicism seen in some of his contemporaries. His portrayal of the battle of the sexes in The Way of the World reveals a deeper appreciation of love beyond mere physical gratification.

Conclusion: Characterization and Audience Reception

The characters of “The Way of the World”, including the iconic lovers Mirabell and Millamant, are some of the most well-developed in Restoration comedy. Each character, from the witty Foible to the tragic Lady Wishfort, offers a unique perspective on human idiosyncrasies. Initially received with lukewarm enthusiasm, the play's subtle characterizations and intricate language may have been too advanced for the audiences of its time, who often preferred more straightforward entertainment.