The Way of the World
Plot Summary The Way of the World The way of the World by English playwright William Congreve premiered in London in 1700. Considered one of the best Restoration Comedies, it is still performed occasionally today but was controversial in it's time due to its badway themes and sexual explicitness, which had fallen out of favor in it's time. Focused on the adventures of a pair of lovers, Mirabell and Millamant, the story follows their plan to memory and many steps they must take to obtain the approval of Millamant's bitter aunt, Lady Wishfort. At the same time, supporting characters, including friends, servants and others, are engaging in their own schemes and affairs. Like many Restoration Comedies, the play serves as a satire on the culture of its time. Its themes include criticism of high society and the niceties of courtship, as well as the nature of love and the role of money in marriage. In many ways, The Way of the World is about the clash of the old...