William Congreve’s Dramatic Art and Style in The Way of the World

Abstract

William Congreve’s The Way of the World is one of the finest examples of Restoration comedy and the comedy of manners. The play presents a realistic picture of fashionable London society, particularly its moral corruption, artificial behaviour, complicated love relationships, and unstable attitudes towards marriage. This paper examines Congreve’s dramatic art and literary style, with special attention to his wit, humour, satire, characterisation, dialogue, and poetic prose. It also considers the suitability of the title and the charge that the play is immoral. Although the drama portrays an immoral social world, Congreve’s purpose is not simply to promote immorality but to represent and satirise the manners and conduct of his age. The characters of Mirabell, Millamant, Lady Wishfort, Mrs. Marwood, Mrs. Fainall, Waitwell, and Foible reveal different aspects of Restoration society. The paper argues that Congreve’s dialogue is not merely ornamental but performs important dramatic functions by developing the plot, revealing character, and sustaining the comic spirit of the play. His balanced sentences, poetic expressions, witty comparisons, and refined language give the drama lasting literary value. Thus, The Way of the World demonstrates Congreve’s mastery of dramatic construction, comic characterisation, and elegant prose style.