The way of the world

Definition

The way of the world refers to the prevailing social norms, behaviors, and attitudes that dictate human interactions and relationships, especially in the context of love, marriage, and moral conduct. This concept serves as a lens through which Restoration literature examines the complexities of human nature, societal expectations, and the often hypocritical moral standards of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'the way of the world' encapsulates the often cynical view of human relationships and social interactions prevalent in Restoration literature.
2. This concept is central to many Restoration comedies where characters navigate a landscape filled with deceit, manipulation, and societal expectations.
3. Key playwrights such as William Congreve used 'the way of the world' to critique the social dynamics of their time, often depicting the tension between personal desires and societal pressures.
4. Restoration drama frequently features characters who embody or challenge 'the way of the world,' providing a platform for exploring themes of gender roles and moral integrity.
5. The exploration of 'the way of the world' reflects a broader critique of 17th-century society, illustrating how personal choices are influenced by external social norms and expectations.

Review Questions

• How does 'the way of the world' reflect the themes of love and marriage in Restoration literature?
  • 'The way of the world' reveals how love and marriage are often influenced by societal norms rather than genuine feelings. In many plays, characters engage in manipulative behaviors to secure advantageous marriages or relationships that align with societal expectations. This highlights the contrast between personal desires and public appearances, demonstrating that in Restoration comedy, love is frequently portrayed as transactional rather than romantic.
• In what ways do key playwrights utilize 'the way of the world' to critique social norms in their works?
  • Playwrights like William Congreve skillfully use 'the way of the world' to expose the hypocrisy within social norms. Through sharp dialogue and complex characters, they illustrate how individuals often conform to societal pressures while privately defying them. By showcasing characters who navigate these contradictions, playwrights provide biting commentary on the moral ambiguities that govern relationships during the Restoration era.
• Evaluate how 'the way of the world' serves as a commentary on gender roles within Restoration drama.
  • 'The way of the world' is crucial for understanding gender dynamics in Restoration drama, as it underscores how societal expectations dictate behavior for both men and women. Female characters often find themselves constrained by rigid roles that demand compliance with male authority while simultaneously navigating their own desires. This tension reveals how both genders are impacted by societal standards, prompting audiences to question the fairness and implications of these gendered expectations.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy:

A genre of theater that emerged in England during the Restoration period, characterized by its satirical portrayal of contemporary society and its focus on themes of love, marriage, and class distinctions.

Moral Ambiguity: The presence of complex moral issues where right and wrong are not clearly defined, often explored in Restoration literature to highlight the contradictions in societal values.

Social Satire: A literary technique used to criticize and mock societal norms, behaviors, and institutions, commonly found in Restoration comedy as a means of reflecting on human nature.