The Rape of the Lock

8 Pages 1903 Words

“The Way of the World” women exercise some control over pressing the desirable match in marriage, however in both works of fiction women and the virtues/qualities associated with them are highly sought out goods. There is less emphasis of women as commodities in Congreve’s “The Way of the World”, however there is a subtle indications of such values. Virginity is a highly valued commodity in both works of fiction. Pope explicitly states this. Here Pope directly likens a woman’s virginity if broken as being similar to a “some frail china jar receive[s] a flaw” (3.106). Reputation is another commodity “Or stain her honor, or her new brocade” ( 3.107). Virginity is indirectly stated as a commodity by the actions of the character. Mrs. Fainall married the despicable Mr. Fainall for one sole reason: she mistakenly believed to be with Mirabell’s child thus Mirabell had her married off to his friend Fainall. Despite that fact that Mrs. Fainall was in love with Mirabell there was no doubt in her mind that Mirabell could not or would not marry her because she was damaged good; a man did not marry his mistress. This is an ingrained value in all of the characters. Mrs. Fainall despite the fact that she is still in love with Mirabell she aids him in getting his virginal bride Millamant. Only a virginal girl is a suitable bride for the prot...