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The Way of the World

by William Congreve

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Student Question

What differentiates the characters of Mrs. Marwood and Mrs. Fainall?

Quick answer:

Mrs. Marwood is selfish, deceitful, and spiteful, involved in an affair with Mrs. Fainall’s husband, and in love with Mirabell, whom she tries to sabotage. In contrast, Mrs. Fainall, who loathes her husband, is unselfish and loyal, a former lover of Mirabell who supports his plans to marry Millamant, demonstrating her reliability and trustworthiness.

Expert Answers

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Written by English playwright William Congreve, The Way of the World is a Restoration comedy.

Mrs. Marwood is presumed to be friends with Lady Wishfort and Mrs. Fainall; however she is having an affair with Mrs. Fainall’s husband. But, Mrs. Marwood is actually in love with Mirabell, the principal character of the play, who wants to marry Millamant. Because this love is unrequited, Mrs. Marwood is resentful and spiteful. As such, she tells Lady Wishfort about Mirabell’s plans to marry his true love, Millamant, in order to thwart them. Mrs. Marwood is selfish, is a gifted liar, and looks to ruin other people’s happiness for her own gain. She is the antagonist of the play, and when her true character is revealed she is described as “that devil.”

Mrs. Fainall is the daughter of Lady Wishfort and a former lover of Mirabell. When the affair ended, in order to protect her good name before her marriage to Fainall, she and Mirabell remained friends. Mrs. Fainall loathes her husband, though.

While I only hated my husband, I could bear to see him; but since I have despised him, he’s too offensive.

Mirabell respects and cares for Mrs. Fainall and, in turn, she still loves him. When she learns of his plans to marry Millamant, she does not reveal them. She is an unselfish, reliable, and trusted friend to Millamant, helping her to marry a man that she loves herself.

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