her desire for equality and respect within the marriage It contrasts with the more transactional view of marriage held by other characters Deception and Intrigue Deception is a central theme in the play It drives much of the plot's conflict and humor The characters frequently engage in schemes and manipulations to achieve their goals For example Mirabell's elaborate plan to win Millamant's hand involves disguises and false identities Lady Wishfort is deceived into believing Sir Rowland actually Mirabell's servant Waitwell loves her This theme underscores the duplicitous nature of social interactions in the play's setting Social Status and Wealth Congreve examines how social status and wealth influence relationships and behavior Characters often make decisions based on financial considerations For instance Fainall's marriage to Mrs Fainall was motivated by her fortune and he later schemes to control Lady Wishfort's wealth Mirabell's concern for Millamant's dowry is also a recurring issue It emphasizes the mercenary nature of social alliances Mirabell says I like her with all her faults nay like her for her faults These words indicate that true affection must navigate and accept the social pressures of wealth and status Gender Roles and Independence The play also addresses the roles and independence of women in a patriarchal society Millamant's assertiveness and desire for autonomy challenge traditional gender roles Her negotiation with Mirabell about the terms of their marriage reflects her struggle for independence She demands Let us never visit together nor go to a play together but let us be very strange and well-bred Act IV Scene IV This line emphasizes her wish to maintain individuality within marriage Mrs Fainall and Lady Wishfort too exhibit varying degrees of independence and resistance to male dominance Morality and Hypocrisy Congreve critiques the moral duplicity and hypocrisy prevalent in his society Characters often present a fa ade of virtue while engaging in immoral actions Fainall and Mrs Marwood's affair and their subsequent schemes against others exemplify this hypocrisy Lady Wishfort's outward show of propriety contrasts with her gullibility and vanity We must all wear masks says Mrs Marwood summarizing the necessity of deceit in maintaining social decorum To conclude in The Way of the World William Congreve masterfully weaves together themes of love marriage deception social status gender roles and morality His characters explore a world where appearances often deceive Here true intentions are masked by societal expectations Through witty dialogue and intricate plotting Congreve exposes the follies and pretensions of his time