English Literature / Unit 10 ENL 0911 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Congreve's The Way of the World
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The idea
William Congreve's The Way of the World, of seventeen hundred, epitomized Restoration comedy's wit and urbanity. The lovers Mirabell and Millamant need the blessing of her aunt, Lady Wishfort, to marry with her fortune. Congreve defended comedy as laughing men out of their vices.
In practice
Witty lovers, a fortune, a disapproving aunt.
Where people slip
The plot turns on marriage and money.
Your place on the trail
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