Character of Lady Wishfort
The Way of the World is a notable literary work by William Congreve. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Way of the World.
Answer
Comment on the character of Lady Wishfort.
Lady Wishfort is the central character in the play “The Way of the World” (1700) written by William Congreve (1670-1729). Her actions and personality significantly influence the play’s events. She is a comical and somewhat tragic figure. She expresses the themes of vanity, manipulation, and the social pressures of Restoration society.
Arrogance and Desire for Romance: Lady Wishfort is portrayed as an aging widow obsessed with her appearance and desperate for male attention. She is an arrogant woman. Despite her age, she hopes to rekindle her youth and find romance.
I look like an old peeled wall. Thou must repair me, Foible, before Sir Rowland comes, or I shall never keep up to my picture.
This desire for love and validation makes her a comic and tragic character, as she fails to see the truth behind Sir Rowland’s courtship.
Comic Relief and Social Commentary: Lady Wishfort’s character provides much of the play’s comic relief through her exaggerated vanity and the absurdity of her romantic ambitions. However, she also serves as a vehicle for social commentary. She wants to remarry for her lustful desire. So, Foible says:
Poison him? Poisoning’s too good for him. Starve him, madam, starve him; marry Sir Rowland, and get him disinherited.
Congreve uses her character to critique the superficiality and pretensions of the aristocracy. Lady Wishfort’s actions highlight the societal pressures on women to maintain their beauty and desirability, regardless of age. Her character exposes the folly of these societal expectations and the inevitable decline of aging.
In termination, Lady Wishfort is a complex character who brings humor, depth, and critical insight to “The Way of the World.” Her vanity and desire for romance make her a source of comic relief. Through Lady Wishfort, Congreve masterfully blends comedy and social critique.