Congreve’s Use of Wit and Humour in “The Way of the World.”

Answer

Discuss Congreve’s use of wit and humour in his play “The Way of the World.” 

“The Way of the World” (1700) is a thought-provoking play by William Congreve (1670-1729). In the play, wit and humor play significant roles in shaping the overall tone and characters. Congreve is known for his sharp wit and satirical style. He uses clever and sophisticated language that illustrates the social manners and complexities of the Restoration period (1660-1700). 

Language as a Tool: Congreve skilfully uses language to create humor. He plays with words by employing puns and witty comments to entertain the audience. The quick, clever exchange of words keeps the audience engaged and highlights the characters’ personalities.

Commentary on Reputation: Reputation is a significant theme in “The Way of the World,” Congreve uses humour to explore its importance. Mirabell’s line in Act II Scene II highlights how characters prioritize their reputations over genuine feelings or ethics. He says,

Why do we daily commit disagreeable and dangerous actions? To save that idol, reputation.

This line captures how wooing reputation leads to humorous and sometimes absurd situations.

Satire on Social Manner: Congreve uses his wit to satirize his time’s societal norms and hypocrisies. He mocks the superficiality and artificiality of high society. Lady Wishfort, a character obsessed with maintaining her reputation, becomes a target of Congreve’s satire. She announces, 

Thou must repair me, Foible, before Sir Rowland comes, or I shall never keep up to my picture.

Congreve criticizes the exaggerated politeness and flattery often found in social interactions.

Irony and Mockery: Irony is a prominent element in Congreve’s comedy by adding depth and amusement to the play. Through irony, he exposes the gap between appearance and reality. Mirabell, a central character, says, 

I say that a man may as soon make a friend by his wit, or a fortune by his honesty, as win a woman with plain-dealing and sincerity.

This quote is ironic because it suggests that wit, honesty, and sincerity are futile in winning a woman’s affection.

Ridiculing Fops and Pretentiousness: Congreve humorously portrays fops, characters who are overly concerned with fashion and appearance. Witwoud and Petulant, two fashionable characters in the play, become objects of ridicule because of their pretentious dialogue. 

Witty Conversation: The play is replete with a witty conversation that showcases Congreve’s skill at crafting humorous dialogue. Characters engage in quick exchanges full of clever responses and playful reactions. Wilful says to Lady Wishfort,

Sheart, I was afraid you would have been in the fashion too, and have remembered to have forgot your relations.

His use of the oxymoronic phrase “remembered to have forgotten” and witty remarks highlight the illogicality behind many social customs and people’s foolishness.

Sarcastic Observations: Congreve’s characters often make sarcastic observations that amuse the audience. These observations reveal the characters’ cynicism or satirical views on love, marriage, and human nature. Mrs. Marwood, a sharp-tongued character, remarks on Millamant’s flirtatious nature and suggests that she is not as innocent as she appears.

In short, wit and humor are remarkable in “The Way of the World” and contribute to its permanent appeal. Congreve used wit and humor through ironic dialogue to satirize his time’s social inequalities, highlight the upper classes’ apathy, and mock hypocrisy.