The Way of the World : Quotations
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, and various study materials of The Way of the World.
Quotations
“I look like an old peeled wall. Thou must repair me, Foible, before Sir Rowland comes.”
Explanation: Lady Wishfort feels insecure about her age and appearance. She asks her maid to fix her looks before meeting Sir Rowland.
“Have you made a passive bawd of me?”
Explanation: Lady Wishfort feels insulted and betrayed, thinking Mirabell has ruined her honour and used her for his own gain.
“Bring what you will; but come alive, pray come alive.”
Explanation: Lady Wishfort is overly emotional and dramatic about meeting Sir Rowland, which makes the situation humorous and exaggerated.
“Now I remember, last night was one of their cabal-nights: they have ’em three times a week and meet by turns at one another’s apartments, to sit upon the murdered reputations of the week.”
Explanation: This line humorously criticizes gossiping upper-class women who regularly meet to ruin others’ reputations for fun.
“I like her with all her faults; nay, like her for her faults.”
Explanation: Mirabell says he loves Millamant completely, not just in spite of her faults, but also because of them. This shows deep, honest love.
“For beauty is the lover’s gift: ’tis he bestows your charm.”
Explanation: Mirabell suggests that a woman’s beauty becomes meaningful through her lover’s love. Love enhances charm.
“If we will be happy, we must find the means in ourselves, and among ourselves.”
Explanation: Mrs. Fainall says true happiness must come from within ourselves, not from others. It reflects self-reliance and emotional strength.
“Took her to pieces; sifted her, and separated her failings; I studied ’em and got ’em by rote.”
Explanation: Mirabell deeply understands Millamant’s flaws but still loves her. It shows his sincere and mature affection.
“My dear liberty, shall I leave thee? My faithful solitude, my darling contemplation, must I bid you adiue?”
Explanation: Millamant expresses her fear of losing her independence and peaceful life after marriage. It shows her modern, self-aware nature.
“I prohibit all masks for the night, made of oiled skins and I know not what–hog’s bones, hare’s gall, pig water, and the marrow of a roasted cat.”
Explanation: Lady Wishfort complains about bizarre beauty treatments. Her exaggerated words add humour and reveal her obsession with youth and beauty.