The Way of the World premiered in 1700 at London's theatre in Lincoln's Inn Field, performed by Majesty's Servants, an acting company of the time. Though it is now regarded as one of the best Restoration comedies in existence, it was not well received by audiences at the time, who felt it was too vulgar.
The Way of the World is still performed today as one of the most famous examples of Restoration comedy.
Restoration comedies are characterized by the juxtaposition of a witty and clever character against a dull businessman, or one from the country. In the context of a Restoration comedy, the dull-witted man is presumed to represent Puritans or other similar dissenters. Early Restoration...
