The Way of the World Overview

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What historical period was Congreve's play 'The Way of the World' written and performed in?

Elizabethan age

Victorian era

Restoration period (correct)

Renaissance period

What is a notable theme in 'The Way of the World' regarding female characters?

Dependence and reliance

Invisibility and silence

Subservience and obedience

Independence and intelligence (correct)

What significant connection does Congreve draw between love and money in the play?

The desire for money relates to both familial and romantic love (correct)

Money is more important than romantic love

Love equals material possessions

Love is irrelevant when compared to money

In what type of comedy is 'The Way of the World' often classified as?

Sexual comedy-of-manners Signup and view all the answers

What significant event is related to King William III and Queen Mary mentioned in the text?

The Glorious Revolution Signup and view all the answers

Where did William Congreve grow up and meet Jonathan Swift?

Ireland Signup and view all the answers

How many plays did William Congreve write between 1693-1700?

$5(4$ comedies and $1$ tragedy) Signup and view all the answers

'The Man of Mode, Or Sir Fopling Flutter' by George Etherege was first performed in what year?

$1676$ Signup and view all the answers

'The Way of the World' is often described as a sexual ___-of-manners.

$physical$ Signup and view all the answers

'The Way of the World' is notable for its positive portrayal of ___ women.

$independent$ Signup and view all the answers

Who does Mirabell suspect has been twice duped by him?

Fainall Signup and view all the answers

What becomes clear during Mirabell's card game with Fainall?

Their relations are strained Signup and view all the answers

Who overhears Mrs. Fainall and Foible discussing a scheme in the play?

Mrs. Marwood Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fainall blackmail Lady Wishfort in the play?

To secure his wife's inheritance Signup and view all the answers

What move of Fainall is countered by Millamant in the play?

His bid to control his wife's money Signup and view all the answers

What revelation by Mirabell causes Fainall to leave in great anger?

Trustee appointment by Mrs. Fainall for her fortune Signup and view all the answers

Why does Millamant accept Mirabell's proposal in the play?

'To save her own fortune' Signup and view all the answers

'Jealousy, Deceit, and Intrigue' are important plot devices in the play, driving conflicts between characters. Who are the main characters involved in this competition of schemes?

'Fainall and Mirabell' Signup and view all the answers

'Wits and Fools' is highlighted as a theme at the beginning of the play. What advice does Congreve suggest in the prologue regarding characterizing 'wits' and 'fools'?

'It is better to write a play that instructs on this' Signup and view all the answers

Which character in the play is depicted as vengeful after overhearing insulting comments about themselves?

Mrs. Marwood Signup and view all the answers

What is Mirabell's initial motivation for engineering Mrs. Fainall's marriage to Mr. Fainall?

To protect Mrs. Fainall from scandal Signup and view all the answers

Why did Fainall marry Mrs. Fainall?

For her fortune Signup and view all the answers

What was the financial situation regarding Millamant's fortune?

Half was under Millamant's control, and half was controlled by Lady Wishfort Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mirabell contrive an elaborate scheme involving Waitwell and Lady Wishfort?

To obtain Lady Wishfort's consent for his marriage to Millamant Signup and view all the answers

Who was Mirabell in love with after ending his affair with Mrs. Fainall?

Millamant Signup and view all the answers

What role did Waitwell play in Mirabell's scheme?

Pretended uncle Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mirabell have to rescue Millamant from a misalliance?

Because Lady Wishfort disapproved of their marriage Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall objective of Mirabell's plan involving Lady Wishfort?

To reveal the true status of a wooer Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lady Wishfort misinterpret Mirabell's intentions as love?

Because Mirabell flattered her, and she misunderstood. Signup and view all the answers

Who controlled the other half of Millamant's fortune?

Lady Wishfort Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Mirabell to allow Waitwell to marry Foible?

To gain a loyal ally in his schemes Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sir Wilfull Witwoud wish to travel to France?

To learn refinement and culture Signup and view all the answers

What is Witwoud's main personality trait that defines him as a character?

Fashion-consciousness Signup and view all the answers

How does Petulant attempt to establish his reputation as a ladies' man?

Through hiring actors Signup and view all the answers

What role does Sir Rowland play in Mirabell's elaborate plan?

Impersonating Waitwell Signup and view all the answers

What trait of Millamant stands out as making her seem cruel towards Mirabell at times?

Her indifference towards others' feelings Signup and view all the answers

Who is described as a fashionable, intellectual, and clever man-about-town, popular with the ladies in the play?

Mirabell Signup and view all the answers

Which character is depicted as sneaky, insecure, and traitorous in the play?