Answer TWO of the following:
1. The names of the characters in The Way of the World
(like most Restoration comedies) reflect the type of person they are; for
example, “Fainall” means “feign all,” and “Wishfort” means “Wish for it [sex].” What other elements in Act One seem to
suggest that these are satirical characters in a Hogarth painting (for example)
rather than a portrait of “real” life?
2. Examine Mirabell’s speech on page 5, where he begins,
“And for a discerning man, somewhat too passionate a lover; for I like her with
all her faults,; nay, like her for her faults.” How might this passage echo some of the “Dark Lady” sonnets that
we discussed on Wednesday? What might
this say about the nature of Mirabell’s love for Millamant?
3. Witwoud and Petulant (note their names) are the Laurel
and Hardy (or more relevant comedy duo) of this play: both are buffoonish,
improper, and completely crass. How
does Congreve satirize certain aspects of his society—and particularly,
upper-class society—through their pretensions and prattle?
4. Most current TV sitcoms or comedy shows (such as Saturday
Night Live, etc.) rely on up-to-the-minute references and satire for their
jokes. In 10 years, few of these jokes
will get the same kind of laughs, and in 20 years they will fall on completely
deaf ears. The Way of the World is, in a way, a sparkling British
sitcom, full of the same satire and cultural references. Focus on a short passage that you feel is
mean to be funny but somehow isn’t: what doesn’t translate? What words, ideas, or references don’t
tickle your funny bone? Can you make
sense of it through a close reading—or does it remain an exhibit in the Museum
of Retired Comedy?
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