Discuss the theme of social criticism in the way of the world?

When Charles II ascended to the throne again and monarchy
was restored in 1660, the then English society got relief from the suppression of the
stern Puritan rules. But, this led the society to over-indulgence of sensual pleasure
and immoral acts. The king himself was not a moral human at all. The society started
losing their sense of priority. Immoral acts enveloped the society's good sides. While
theaters were being flourished, writers & dramatists were patronized by the
rulers, bad poets & notorious actors-actresses took birth (ref: John Dryden's
McFlecknoe). Women were being disregarded and felt insecure. So,
most of the women's primary goal became to charm men, and to make their own future
secure anyhow. They used to pass time by gossiping, playing cards, having walks in the
park with their male admirers, whereas, men used to pass time playing cards and drinking
chocolate at the chocolate house. Extra-marital affair was a common phenomenon among the
couples. But, neither husband nor wife expressed their internal feelings in front of
others even if they hated each other. They always wore a facade. This was the condition
of the Restoration society.

These social behavior and
manners are depicted in many plays by playwrights like William Congreve, Richard
Brinsley Sheridan of the age. The main target of such witty, satiric comedies is the
society as a whole, not a particular theme or character, since the purpose of the play
is to teach a moral via highlighting the social follies and criticising the manners and
customs of the society.

Congreve's The Way of the
World, shows many a portraits: Mirabell as a beau already done harm to Mrs.
Fainall, Millament as a beautiful young lady feeling inertly insecure who always remains
surrounded by some foolish men, Marwood's making love with the husband of Mrs. Fainall,
Marwood's habit of eavesdropping and harming Mirabell & Milament being refused
by Mirabell, Mrs. Fainall's wedding to Fainall to secure her future, and most
importantly, Lady Wishfort's untiring willingness to make herself look young &
beautiful and thus making herself more vulnerable, all these portraits are exact
depiction of 18th century urban society. Through witty dialogues and careful handling of
the plot, Congreve has superbly made it a successful Restoration comedy which is a
social critique.