Which of the following is not a character in William Congreve's The Way of the World?

Correct option is D

Explanation:

The correct answer is Peachum.

Peachum is not a character in William Congreve's The Way of the World. He is a character in John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera (1728), a ballad opera that satirizes the political and social conditions of 18th-century England, especially the underworld of crime and corruption.

In William Congreve's The Way of the World (1700), the key characters include Mirabell, Millamant, Fainall, and Waitwell, among others. The play is a restoration comedy and focuses on love, marriage, manipulation, and social class.

Information Booster: 

- The Way of the World by William Congreve is a Restoration comedy that was first performed in 1700.

- This play is often considered Congreve’s finest work and is an example of the comedy of manners.

- The play follows Mirabell and Millamant, who are in love but face various obstacles, especially from Millamant’s uncle, Sir Wilfull Witwoud, and her aunt, Lady Wishfort, who disapproves of their relationship.

- Mirabell is a charming and witty man who uses his cleverness and social standing to win Millamant’s hand in marriage.

- The play’s plot is filled with schemes, deceptions, and social commentary on love and marriage in the upper echelons of society.

- The play explores themes like social class, deception, courtship, and the dynamics between men and women during the Restoration period.

- It also critiques the hypocrisy and fickleness of society, particularly in matters of love and marriage.

Key Characters:

- Mirabell: The protagonist, a charming and witty man who is in love with Millamant. His actions drive much of the plot, and he engages in various schemes to marry Millamant while dealing with the other characters and their manipulations.

- Millamant: The beautiful and intelligent young woman whom Mirabell loves.

- Fainall: The antagonist who is married to Millamant’s aunt but is having an affair with Mirabell’s former lover. He is a scheming and manipulative character. His intentions are to manipulate his wife and other characters for personal gain.

- Waitwell: Mirabell’s servant who plays a crucial role in the deception.  His involvement in the scheme adds to the comedic and dramatic tension in the play.

- Lady Wishfort: Millamant’s aunt, who is vain and obsessed with her social status.