What is the summary of The Way of the World?
The Way of the World is a play by William Congreve in which Lady Wishfort tries to sabotage the marriage between her former lover and her daughter. Mirabell hopes to marry Lady Wishfort’s daughter, Millimant. However, Lady Wishfort wants revenge on Mirabell, who is her former lover.
Who married twice in The Way of the World?
Characters. The play is centred on the two lovers Mirabell and Millamant (originally played by John Verbruggen and Anne Bracegirdle). In order for them to marry and receive Millamant’s full dowry, Mirabell must receive the blessing of Millamant’s aunt, Lady Wishfort.
What is the main reason behind Mr Fainall and Mrs Fainall marriage?
Fainall were lovers; she married Fainall as a cover for her affair with Mirabell. Mirabell, during their stroll, has told her of his scheme to trick Lady Wishfort and marry Millamant.
What is the conclusion of The Way of the World?
Representing both the pinnacle and the conclusion of Restoration drama, The Way of the World epitomizes the psychology of manner – the way people behave (hence the title.) Motive is assumed to be the same for all: to get sex, to get money, and to remain young.
What is the main theme of The Way of the World?
Marriage, Adultery, and Inheritance Marriage and adultery are of course main themes in The Way of the World, and it seems that characters have much more of a problem with the potential for a tainted reputation than with any moral or emotional imperative not to cheat on their spouse.
What does the title The Way of the World mean?
“The way of the world” is a flippant expression meaning the way people behave. However, in the Restoration times, the expression “the way of the world” connoted adultery, which was a common behavior in society and especially in theatrical Restoration Comedies.
Who controls half of Millamant’s fortune?
Lady Wishfort
Half of Millamant’s fortune was under her own control, but the other half, 6,000 pounds, was controlled by Lady Wishfort, to be turned over to Millamant if she married a suitor approved by her aunt. Unfortunately, Mirabell had earlier offended Lady Wishfort; she had misinterpreted his flattery as love.
Why Mirabell is important to the theme and plot?
Mirabell is important to the plot because he sets the wheels in motion for a set of complicated schemes that ultimately enable him to reach his goal of marrying Millamant. Through his developing relationship with Millamant, he is also crucial to the themes of social corruption and the importance of love and honesty.
What is the relation between Mrs. Marwood and Mr Fainall?
Marwood is the mistress of Mr. Fainall, a married man. She is a nosy woman, bitter because her love for Mirabell is not returned, and this leads her to reveal his scheme to Fainall and later Lady Wishfort herself after overhearing it while in a closet.
Who is Fainall in the way of the world?
He is the second husband of Lady Wishfort’s daughter, Mrs. Arabella Fainall. A kept man, he hates his rich wife and is having an affair with his wife’s friend, Mrs. Marwood.
What is the central theme of The Way of the World?
The central theme in The Way of the World is the effect of scheming. In the story, characters launch several deceitful plans as they pursue marriage partners and wealth.
What is the central idea of Congreve in his play the way of world?
Money is a distinct concern for several of the characters in Congreve’s play. Though greed does exist in the play—Fainall wants all of Wishfort’s fortune or as much as he can swindle—Congreve draws a more important connection between familial and romantic love and the desire for money as a means of financial security.
