The Way of the World and Other Plays

In his introduction, Eric S. Rump discusses Congreve’s literary career and examines each play in detail. This edition also includes further reading and notes.

With piercing accuracy William Congreve depicted the shallow, brittle world of ‘society’ where the right artifice in manners, fashion and conversation–and money–eased the passage to success. Through sparkling, witty dialogue and brilliant characterisation–Lady Plyant, Valentine, Lady Touchwood, Mirabell and Millamant–Congreve ex…