The way of the world

Definition

The way of the world refers to the intricate social dynamics, behaviors, and moral attitudes that govern human interactions and relationships, particularly in the context of society's values and expectations. This concept is central to Restoration comedy and drama, where characters often navigate complex social situations, revealing hypocrisy, ambition, and desire for wealth or status. The plays of this era use wit and satire to critique these societal norms, portraying how individuals adapt to or resist the prevailing 'way of the world.'

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The way of the world highlights the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, often leading characters into morally ambiguous situations.
2. Restoration comedies frequently feature characters who use wit and charm to manipulate social situations for personal gain.
3. The way of the world illustrates how social status and wealth impact relationships, often leading to conflicts and misunderstandings among characters.
4. Many plays from this period expose the hypocrisy of society by contrasting appearances with underlying motives and truths.
5. The concept encourages audiences to reflect on their own lives, questioning how much they conform to or challenge societal norms.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of 'the way of the world' influence character development in Restoration comedies?
  • 'The way of the world' profoundly impacts character development by shaping their motivations, choices, and interactions. Characters are often portrayed as navigating a landscape filled with social expectations, where their desires clash with societal norms. This creates multi-dimensional characters who embody both the strengths and weaknesses inherent in their attempts to achieve personal goals within a constrained social structure.
• In what ways do Restoration comedies use satire to comment on 'the way of the world'?
  • Restoration comedies employ satire as a sharp tool to critique 'the way of the world' by exposing the absurdities and contradictions within social customs and moral attitudes. Through humorous dialogue and exaggerated character traits, playwrights reveal the hypocrisy of societal norms, making audiences question accepted behaviors. This satirical approach encourages reflection on individual choices versus societal pressures.
• Evaluate how 'the way of the world' affects themes of moral ambiguity in Restoration drama, citing specific examples.
  • 'The way of the world' deeply intertwines with themes of moral ambiguity in Restoration drama by presenting characters faced with ethically challenging decisions influenced by societal expectations. For example, in plays like William Congreve's 'The Way of the World,' characters often grapple with conflicting desires for love and wealth, leading them to engage in deceitful behavior. This complexity forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and societal influence, suggesting that morality can be fluid rather than absolute.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy:

A genre of English comedy that emerged after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, characterized by witty dialogue, sexual intrigue, and a focus on social manners and class distinctions.

Satire: A literary device used to humorously criticize or ridicule societal flaws, often exposing the absurdities in human behavior and social conventions.

Moral Ambiguity: A concept in literature where characters possess complex motivations that blur the lines between right and wrong, reflecting the complexities of human nature and society.