The way of the world comedy of manners in five acts by William Congreve, performed and published in 1700. The play , which is considered Congreve's masterpiece, ridicules the assumptions that governed the society of his time ,especially those concerning love and marriage. The plot concerns the efforts of the lovers Millamant and Mirabell to obtain the permission of Millamant's aunt for their marriage.
The way of the world is a restoration comedy written by William Congreve . It begins with Mirabell and Fainall about his love for Millamant.
Further,Mirabell learns that on Lady Wishfort's marriage , Millamant will lose the fortune she is to inherit from her aunt.Thus , they can get the money only if lady Wishfort agrees to their marriage.
In the second act of the way of the world , Mrs Fainall and Mrs Marwood talk about their abhorrence for men . Suddenly , Fainall arrives to accuse Mrs Marwood of being in love with Mirabell.
In the interim, Mrs Fainall expresses her hatred for her husband to Mirabell. Thus, they begin plotting to trick Lady Wishfort into agreeing to the marriage. Next , we see Foible encouraging Lady Wishfort to marry Sir Rowland.
Thus, the main plan is to trap her in marriage which won't go ahead as it will be bigamy and also a social disgrace because of the class differences. Thus, Mirabell will lend her a helping hand to sort it out if she agrees to the marriage.
As Mrs Fainfall discusses this plan with Foible, Mrs Marwood overhears the conversation . She reveals the plan to Fainall who has decided to take Mrs Fainalls money and elope with Mrs Marwood.
Mirabell proposes to Millamant and she accepts happily. As Mirabell leaves , Lady Wishfort enters and tells Millamant, she wants her to marry her nephew sir wilfull.
After that, Lady Wishfort receives a letter that reveals the Sir Rowland plot. He then accuses Mirabell of harming their wedding .Thus, Whitewel is arrested by Fainall. Lady Wishfort is grateful to Mrs Marwood for revealing the plot.
Fainall using the information of Mrs fainalls former affair with Mirabell plus Millamant's contract of blackmailing Lady Wishfort. He tells her to not remarry and transfer her fortune to him.
Mirabell comes to the rescue to save her fortune and honour. Thus all the blackmailing stops and everything is gets back in place. Finally, Millamant gets her inheritance and blessings to marry Mirabell.
The way of the world summary revolves around marriage, infidelity as well as inheritance. It explores the human mind and willingness to get what they want through whatever means.
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