The Way of the World

The Way of the World Summary | Prologue Summary

The prologue is noted in the text of the play as being spoken by the actor who originally played the character of Fainall when The Way of the World was staged. It starts with a comparison of two different types of fools. Poets are one kind of fool, because they depend on the tastes and whims of other people to earn their livings. These tastes are determined by fortune, and are completely random, meaning writers are in a sense gambling that the audience will like what they write. "Natural" fools (stupid people) on the other hand are blessed by fortune.

The prologue goes on to state that poets are often fooled by the success of one play or work into believing the next one will be successful. Fame and fortune are said to be fleeting, and one bad play can cost a poet a chance at immortality.

The prologue then refers to Congreve ("He wrought the following scenes") and how he knows this play will have to stand on its own without relying on his past successes. He goes on to say the purpose of the play is to please the audience and not instruct them about life, since the audience is already very knowledgeable. He also says he knows the audience will not be offended by any references to fools in the play, since none of the audience members are fools themselves. The prologue ends by referring to Congreve as a "passive poet" who will accept the audience's opinion of his play.