🖋️ About the Author: William Congreve (1670–1729)
William Congreve was a leading playwright of the Restoration era, known for his witty dialogue and sharp satirical take on social manners. *The Way of the World* (1700) is his most famous play, often regarded as the perfect example of the comedy of manners, critiquing marriage, money, and reputation in early 18th‑century English society.
🎭 Scene-by-Scene Summary
💠 Act I
Scene 1
Mirabell and Millamant meet to finalize their secret marriage agreement. Millamant sets very precise terms—she must retain freedom in choosing her company, clothes, and retaining a maid. Mirabell agrees, promising to ensure her happiness.
"The full enjoyment of her person, Millamant; your own discretion in all things else." – Mirabell
Scene 2
Lady Wishfort (Millamant’s aunt) is visited by Sir Wilfull, who flatters her endlessly. Mirabell plots to use Lady Wishfort’s affection for him to advance his marriage plan by pretending to court her.
💠 Act II
Scene 1
Mrs. Marwood and Foible (Millamant’s maid) spy on Lady Wishfort. Foible tells Mrs. Marwood that Mirabell plans to marry Millamant. Mrs. Marwood, who also loves Mirabell, decides to sabotage the plan.
"She shall be my victim." – Mrs. Marwood
Scene 2
Buzzing society members gather, gossiping about Mirabell and Millamant. Lady Wishfort becomes suspicious. Mirabell arrives and cleverly flatters Lady Wishfort, manipulating her jealousy while concealing his real intentions.
💠 Act III
Scene 1
Petulant younger suitors question Lady Wishfort’s taste. Foible plays along with Mrs. Marwood’s schemes, deepening the intrigue.
Scene 2
Mirabell pretends to woo Lady Wishfort to gain favor and access to Millamant’s fortune. Millamant enters, learning of the plot and confronting Mirabell, but ultimately trusts him.
💠 Act IV
Scene 1
Mirabell’s cousin, Fainall, joins forces with Mrs. Marwood. Both plot to expose Mirabell’s actions and force Millamant into marriage with Fainall. Their motives are primarily greed and spite.
"If she be married to Mirabell, we lose the prospect." – Fainall
Scene 2
Lady Wishfort learns of the supposed affair between Mirabell and Lady Teazle (a device by Mirabell). He persuades her that her best hope is to help him marry Millamant. Lady Wishfort is outraged and agrees to his plan.
💠 Act V
Scene 1
The conspirators—Fainall and Mrs. Marwood—claim to have evidence of a secret marriage between Mirabell and Millamant. However, Mirabell outsmarts them by revealing his written marriage contract, proving his honor, and catching them in their plots.
"Here's the signed and sealed condition of her consent." – Mirabell
Scene 2
Secrets are exposed: Mrs. Marwood and Fainall admit their schemes. Lady Wishfort forgives Mirabell and blesses his marriage. Millamant confirms their proper union, the conspirators are discredited, and the play ends with reconciliation and restored social order.
🧠 Major Themes
- Marriage as negotiation: The play shows how marriage can be arranged through contracts and covert understanding, not just love.
- Manners & Social Advantage: Manners are used as tools to gain status, charm, or influence.
- Appearance vs. Reality: Characters disguise motives; what they say often hides their true intentions.
- Wit & Satire: Sharp dialogue highlights the follies and hypocrisies of the aristocratic world.
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