In 'The Way of the World', which character serves as the villainous foil to Mirabell, attempting to steal Lady Wishfort's fortune?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Mr. Fainall
Fainall is the dark counterpart to Mirabell; while Mirabell uses wit to secure his love and fortune, Fainall uses malice and deception. He represents the 'false wit' and the mercenary nature of the society.
Keep practicing
More Comedy of Manners questions
- Which critic wrote 'A Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage' (1698), attacking the Comedy of Manners?
- George Farquhar’s 'The Beaux' Stratagem' (1707) is noted for shifting the Comedy of Manners in which direction?
- What is the typical social setting for a Comedy of Manners?
- In the context of this genre, what is a 'Rake'?
- Which character in 'The Way of the World' is an elderly woman obsessed with staying young and being courted?
- Which 18th-century playwright revived the Comedy of Manners style with 'The School for Scandal'?