The Way of the World
Drama
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William Congreve
The Way of the World Character
Mirabell: Mirabell is a young and smart man. He is genuinely in love with Millamant. He is clever, polite, and full of wit. He uses a plan to win Millamant and defeat the evil characters in the play.
Millamant: Millamant is a beautiful and fashionable young lady. She is Lady Wishfort’s niece and lives with her. She loves Mirabell and wants to marry him, but only with freedom and respect. She is wi...
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The Way of the World Key Info
Key Facts
Full Title: The Way of the World
Playwright: William Congreve (1670–1729)
Written Time: Late 1699 – Early 1700
First Performed: March 1700 at Lincoln’s Inn Fields Theatre, London
Published Date: 1700
Total Acts & Scenes: 5 Acts (scene divisions vary by edition). The entire play is set on one day.
Genre: Comedy of Manners, Restoration Comedy
Point of View: Third-Person Objective (thro...
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The Way of the World Summary
The Story Begins with a Complicated Past: Before the play starts, many events have already happened. Mrs. Arabella Fainall was once married to a man named Languish. After his death, he left her all his wealth. Later, Arabella started a secret love affair with a young man named Mirabell. But Mirabell ended the affair because he was afraid that if Arabella got pregnant, it would destroy her honour....
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The Way of the World Themes
Love and Romance: In this play, love is characterized by wit, freedom, and equality. Mirabell and Millamant truly love each other, but they want respect, not control. Millamant lists her demands before accepting marriage. Their love is honest, not fake like others. The play contrasts real love with foolish desires, like Lady Wishfort’s. It also illustrates how women were unfairly judged in love an...
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Notes
Explore 10 detailed notes related to The Way of the World. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.