The Way of the World

Introduction to the Play

The Way of the World is a celebrated Restoration comedy written by English playwright William Congreve and first performed in London in 1700. Although not a major success in its own time—partly due to shifting tastes and its frank portrayal of sexuality—it has come to be regarded as one of the finest examples of the genre. The play centers on the romantic and strategic pursuits of Mirabell and Millamant, whose desire to marry faces opposition from Millamant’s sharp-tongued aunt, Lady Wishfort. Alongside the main plot, a host of characters—ranging from clever servants to scheming lovers—engage in various subplots, often filled with deception and witty banter.

Like many Restoration comedies, the play satirizes the manners, morals, and social conventions of the aristocratic elite. Themes such as the commodification of marriage, the performativity of courtship, and the influence of wealth on relationships are explored with irony and sophistication. At its heart, The Way of the World reflects a cultural tension between the fading values of the older generation and the rising assertiveness of the younger, more modern one. Though known for its bawdy wit, the play also offers nuanced character studies and a more refined moral vision than many of its contemporaries.

Overall Summary

Mirabell, a reformed rake, wishes to marry Millamant, a spirited and fashionable young woman. However, their union depends on the approval of Millamant’s guardian, Lady Wishfort, who controls a £6,000 inheritance. Unfortunately, Lady Wishfort detests Mirabell because he once pretended to court her. To overcome this obstacle, Mirabell devises a plan: his servant Waitwell will marry Lady Wishfort’s maid Foible and then disguise himself as Mirabell’s wealthy uncle, “Sir Rowland,” to woo Lady Wishfort. Once caught in a scandalous engagement, Lady Wishfort will be compelled to grant Mirabell her favor in exchange for rescuing her reputation.

The plan unravels when Mrs. Marwood, who secretly loves Mirabell, overhears the plot and informs her lover, Mr. Fainall. Together, they plot to blackmail Lady Wishfort and claim Millamant’s fortune. Lady Wishfort, hoping to avoid disgrace, tries to marry Millamant off to her rustic nephew, Sir Wilfull Witwoud. However, Millamant cleverly plays along while maintaining her independence.

In the final act, Fainall tries to force Lady Wishfort into giving him control over her estate and Millamant’s inheritance by threatening to expose his wife’s former relationship with Mirabell. But Mirabell reveals a pre-marriage contract in which Mrs. Fainall had transferred her property to him, thus nullifying Fainall’s threats. With her fortune and reputation secure, Lady Wishfort consents to the marriage, and Mirabell and Millamant are finally free to wed.

Act-wise Summary

Act I
The play opens with Mirabell and his friend Fainall finishing a card game. A footman informs them that Mirabell’s servant, Waitwell, has just married Foible, Lady Wishfort’s maid—part of Mirabell’s intricate plan to win Millamant. Mirabell confesses his deep love for Millamant, and Fainall advises him to pursue marriage. However, Millamant’s inheritance is contingent on Lady Wishfort’s approval, which seems unlikely unless the older woman can be tricked.

Act II
Set in St. James’ Park, Mrs. Fainall and Mrs. Marwood exchange cynical views on men. Fainall enters and confronts Mrs. Marwood, suspecting her (correctly) of being in love with Mirabell. Meanwhile, Mrs. Fainall—Mirabell’s former lover—teams up with him to secure Lady Wishfort’s approval. Millamant arrives, annoyed by Mirabell’s previous quarrel with her aunt, and expresses her unease with his plan. Later, Foible and Waitwell meet with Mirabell to finalize the scheme involving “Sir Rowland.”

Act III
The action shifts to Lady Wishfort’s home. Foible convinces Lady Wishfort to consider marrying “Sir Rowland,” supposedly Mirabell’s uncle. This would disinherit Mirabell and please Lady Wishfort. But in truth, “Sir Rowland” is Waitwell in disguise, and the sham marriage is designed to embarrass Lady Wishfort. Mrs. Fainall and Foible discuss the plan, unaware that Mrs. Marwood has overheard them. Furious, she informs Fainall, who now plots to blackmail Lady Wishfort and take control of her fortune.

Act IV
Mirabell and Millamant engage in a famous scene where they negotiate the terms of their marriage, revealing mutual affection and a desire for personal independence within the union. Lady Wishfort, meanwhile, pushes Millamant toward marrying Sir Wilfull, her country-bred nephew. The plot is further complicated when Lady Wishfort receives an anonymous letter warning her of the “Sir Rowland” ruse. Waitwell, still in disguise, intercepts the letter and accuses Mirabell of deception, prompting Lady Wishfort to hastily agree to the marriage.

Act V
Lady Wishfort learns the truth about “Sir Rowland” and is furious. Fainall has Waitwell arrested and attempts to blackmail Lady Wishfort by threatening to expose Mrs. Fainall’s past affair with Mirabell. Mrs. Marwood supports him. Lady Wishfort turns to Mirabell for help, and he presents a legal document proving that Mrs. Fainall’s property was entrusted to him before her marriage—effectively eliminating Fainall’s leverage. Mirabell tears up the document once it’s no longer needed. Grateful and relieved, Lady Wishfort gives her blessing, and Mirabell and Millamant are finally united.