This episode analyses William Congreve's Restoration comedy, The Way of the World. It contextualises the play within the Restoration period, highlighting the societal shift away from Puritanism and the influence of the court and evolving audience tastes on the drama of the time. The episode explores various influences on Restoration comedy, including English dramatic traditions and French theatre, ultimately focusing on Congreve's unique approach and the intricacies of the play's plot and characters. Furthermore, it examines potential themes within The Way of the World, suggesting interpretations related to love, money, social portraits, and intrigue as reflections of the era's values.