The way of the world

Definition

The way of the world refers to the prevailing attitudes, behaviors, and norms that shape human interactions and societal values. This concept emphasizes the often cynical or pragmatic perspective that characterizes human relationships, suggesting that self-interest and social maneuvering play significant roles in how people navigate life. In specific contexts, it reflects the struggles and aspirations of individuals within society, often presenting a critique of moral values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The way of the world highlights the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, often illustrating characters who are caught in this conflict.
2. In Restoration theater, this concept is often depicted through comedies that reveal the hypocrisy and absurdities of social customs.
3. The phrase suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance regarding human nature and societal flaws, as characters navigate through deception and manipulation.
4. Many plays from this era explore themes of love and betrayal, underscoring how relationships are influenced by societal pressures and individual motivations.
5. The way of the world also reflects a broader critique of morality during the 18th century, challenging traditional values and questioning what is considered virtuous behavior.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the way of the world manifest in Restoration comedies, particularly in character interactions?
  • In Restoration comedies, the way of the world often manifests through characters who engage in witty banter and strategic social maneuvering. These interactions reveal a deeper understanding of human nature where self-interest often prevails over genuine connections. Characters frequently navigate love interests with a mix of cunning and deceit, reflecting a society that prioritizes appearances and social status over authentic relationships.
• Discuss how social satire in 18th-century theater uses the way of the world to critique contemporary societal norms.
  • Social satire in 18th-century theater employs the way of the world to highlight and mock the absurdities of contemporary norms. By exaggerating character traits and situations, playwrights exposed the hypocrisy present in societal customs regarding love, marriage, and morality. This critical lens encouraged audiences to reflect on their own behaviors and societal expectations while entertaining them with humor rooted in real-life observations.
• Evaluate how the way of the world challenges traditional views on morality as portrayed in Restoration dramas.
  • The way of the world challenges traditional views on morality in Restoration dramas by presenting a more nuanced understanding of human behavior. Rather than portraying clear distinctions between right and wrong, these plays often show characters acting out of self-interest or engaging in morally ambiguous actions. This complexity invites audiences to reconsider their notions of virtue and vice, suggesting that morality may be subjective and shaped by societal influences rather than absolute principles.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy:

A genre of comedy that emerged in England during the Restoration period, characterized by witty dialogue, sexual intrigue, and a focus on the social manners of the upper classes.

Social Satire: A literary technique used to criticize or mock societal norms and behaviors through humor, irony, and exaggeration.

Morality Play: A genre of medieval and early Renaissance drama that uses allegorical characters to teach moral lessons about virtues and vices.