45 pages • 1 hour read
The Way of the World
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Book Brief
176
Play • Fiction
London • 1700s
1700
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Way of the World by William Congreve, a staple of Restoration comedy, centers on the lovers Mirabell and Millamant, who navigate various schemes to gain the approval of Millamant's aunt, Lady Wishfort, for their marriage. The play satirizes high society, the complexities of courtship, and explores themes of love, money in marriage, and the tension between old and new societal norms.
Humorous
Romantic
Playful
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
4,419 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of William Congreve's The Way of the World praise its wit, complex characters, and intricate plot, highlighting its status as a pinnacle of Restoration comedy. However, some critics note the play's challenging language and elaborate social commentary, which may deter modern readers. Overall, it remains celebrated for its sharp dialogue and sophisticated humor.
Who Should Read The Way of the World?
A reader who enjoys The Way of the World by William Congreve is likely a fan of sophisticated comedies of manners, similar to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. This audience appreciates sharp wit, social critiques, and intricate romantic entanglements.
4,419 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Fainall
Fainall
A man-about-town similar to Mirabell, married to Mrs. Fainall. His actions and plot serve as opposition to Mirabell's goals.
Millamant
Millamant
Lady Wishfort’s niece, an attractive young woman poised to inherit a fortune conditional upon Lady Wishfort’s approval. She is Mirabell’s romantic interest.
Mrs. Fainall
Mrs. Fainall
Mirabell’s former lover and Fainall’s current wife, known earlier as Arabella Languish. She supports Mirabell’s schemes without any romantic involvement in the current narrative.
Lady Wishfort
Lady Wishfort
A wealthy widow whose actions center around securing a husband and dealing with the fallout of Mirabell's romantic advances towards her.
Witwoud, Petulant, and Wilfull
Witwoud, Petulant, and Wilfull
Comedic side characters who satirize the upper classes, each characterized by their unique forms of foolishness, with Witwoud desiring wit, Petulant being argumentative, and Wilfull being stubborn.
176
Play • Fiction
London • 1700s
1700
Adult
18+ years
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