The way of the World is, by common consent, Congreve’s finest play. According to some critics, it is by far the best Restoration comedy. Its greatness depends chiefly on its characterization and its witty dialogue. But the style in which it is written is exquisite too. We should not search too closely for a serious purpose in a comic play and we should not, therefore, strain ourselves unduly to discover a deeper meaning in The Way of the World than meets the eye. The play would adequately serve the writer’s purpose if we are able to enjoy its wit, its satire, its portrayal of 18th-century affectations, and its delineation of characters.