The Way of the World Study Guide

by William Congreve

About 109 pages (32,818 words)

The Way of the World Summary

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The Way of the World Study Guide consists of approx. 109 pages of summaries and analysis on The Way of the World by William Congreve. Browse the literature study guide below:

The prologue is noted in the text of the play as being spoken by the actor who originally played the character of Fainall when The Way of the World was staged. It starts with a comparison of two different types of fools. Poets are one kind of fool, because they depend on the tastes and whims of other people to earn their livings. These tastes are determined by fortune, and are completely random, meaning writers are in a sense gambling that the audience will like what they write. "Natural" fools (stupid people) on the other hand are blessed by fortune. (read more)

Prologue

Act 1, Scene 1

Act 1, Scene 2

Act 2, Scene 1

Act 2, Scene 2

Act 3, Scene 1

Act 3, Scene 2

Act 3, Scene 3

Act 4, Scene 1

Act 4, Scene 2

Act 5, Scene 1

Act 5, Scene 2

Act 5, Scene 3

Epilogue

Critical Essay #3

Critical Essay #4

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