Book Review : The Way of the World : A Book That Involves Both Wits and Fools
Source-Rakuten Kobo
“One no more owes one's beauty to a lover than one's wit to an echo”
― william congreve, The Way of the World
Name-The Way of the World
Writer-William Congreve
Published-1700
Genre- Restoration Comedy
Set in - London
The way of the world is a play written by William Congreve in 1700. This is the perfect example to raise your hopes of reading a perfect restoration comedy filled with gossip and schemes.
Although, when this play was published, it was not very successful and according to the writer it was mainly because people felt that it was mocking their own personalities which can be partly true for the then-existing society.
A restoration comedy is a type of satire that expresses the values of the people, their attitudes and personalities while also satirically and ironically poking fun at them. Just like a typical restoration drama, the play involves everything from handsome men to young beautiful women and to old aged men who are somehow still chasing their youth.
All the characters in the play are after something, they plot and scheme over money and love. Some chose love over money, while one is lucky to win these both.
Source-inclinedscorpio.com
“Well, I shall understand your lingo one of these days, cousin.”
― William Congreve, The Way of the World
The play is also about female independence which was a little rare at the time that it was written. Women have control over their fortune and manipulate other characters around it just like Lady Wishfort However this particular character also represents the importance of beauty and youth over wealth.
She spends hours looking desirable and adds humour to the story by pounding layers of makeup on her skin. The play is about revenge and games. If you like something that involves action changes in plots with lots of twists and turns, then this might just be a go to!
My Personal Verdict
The play is a fun comedy and the turn in events keep the suspense and joy going. As the title suggests and inappropriate for its content, the way the people behave in this world.
The way they are willing to cross boundaries and plan for their love.
The dialogues are interesting and an easy read. The characters are uniques in their own ways and all have completely different personalities.
The dialogues are interesting and an easy read. The characters are uniques in their own ways and all have completely different personalities.
The comic pot rewards wits and laughs at fools and includes catty women who add just the right pinch of fun to it.
To pass our youth in dull indifference, to refuse the sweets of life because they once must leave us, is as preposterous as to wish to have been born old, because we one day must be old. For my part, my youth may wear and waste, but it shall never rust in my possession.”
My Ratings for the book - 3 on 5
Written By : Rachita Arora
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