The Way of the World Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The Way of the World Topics for Further Study

The seventeenth century was a time of great political upheaval in England. Research the period dating from the Civil War in the 1640s, which led to the dissolution of the English monarchy, to the "Restoration" of Charles II in 1660. In what ways did political change help shape "Restoration Drama?" In particular, how did political realities contribute to the rise and popular appeal of the "comedy of manners?"

Lady Wishfort is a central comic figure in The Way of the World. As the aging but still amorous dowager, the capricious yet tenacious holder of the purse strings, and the twice duped lover so desperate to marry and so patently superficial in her disapproval of men, she amuses by the very nature of her naïve yet bold heart. How would you direct the pivotal opening of act 3, when we are introduced to Lady Wishfort for the first time? This...
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