Love for Love is a top-rated play by William Coongreve that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and hardships. The plot involved a man named Valentine who was extravagant in financial lifestyle. He fell in love with Angelica. She came from a rich background. This book introduces you to the struggles of Valentine in getting love.
In this article, I will provide the following information related to this book:
- Author
- Characters
- Summary
- Analysis
- Themes
- Moral Lessons
- Conclusion
Author
Love for Life was written by William Congreve back in the 18th century. He was a well-known playwright in literature. His works are famous because of his unique and mesmerization observation of society. The most famous works by William Congreve are:
Characters
The book has the following characters for readers:
Valentine
He is the protagonist of the story. The author portrayed him as an extravagant man who spent money freely. Further, he fell in love with Angelica.
Angelica
She was the girl that was loved by Valentine. She lived with her uncle in the house.
Sir Simpson
He was Valentine’s father in the book.
Ben
He was Valentine’s younger brother in play.
Jeremy
Valentine’s servant tackled the people who gave money to Valentine.
Scandal
He was Valentine’s buddy in the book.
Mr.Foresight and Mrs.Foresight
They were Angelica’s uncle and aunt. They had a daughter named Miss Prue who loved a boy named Tattle.
Mistress Frail
She was Mrs. Foresight’s relative who wanted to marry Ben to get a share in the inheritance.
William Congreve Love for Love Summary
This play was written in the 18th century by William Congreve. The plot starts with a named Valentine. He was living an extravagant and lavishing lifestyle. He was spending all his money to please a woman named Angelica. He loved Angelica from the depth of his heart. Valentine was besieged by people who wanted their money back. Jeremy, who was Valentine’s servant dealt with these people. Scandal, Valentine’s best friend presented the idea of getting out of a loan.
Sir Simpson, Valentine’s father offered a deal to his son. He told him he would give his loan of 4000 pounds on a single agreement. The option was Valentine had to give his inheritance right to younger brother Ben. Valentine disapproved of this condition. The story runs when Ben goes to Mr. Foresight’s house with his father. He wanted to marry Miss Prue, who was Foresigh daughter. She rejected Ben as she had an affair with Tattle. This broke Ben’s heart.
Another woman, Mistress Frail took advantage of it. Ben was proposed to for his property. Valentine feigned madness to avoid signing inheritance papers while acting like a mad.
Miss Frail rejected Ben after finding that Valentine still had rights. Angelica tried to check Valentine’s love. She spreads the news that she will marry Valentine’s father. This news shattered Valentine. He informed everyone that he was okay and ready to sign the papers to get Angelica’s love. The play ends with Angelica accepting Valentine’s love.
Literary Analysis
This play offers insights into the social norms related to love and marriage. It is widely considered that wealth matters for getting love in society. The author presented this societal issue in the story form. Miss Frail only wanted to marry Ben for his property.
True love is also mentioned in the book. If you study, you will find Valentine had a true affection for Angelica. He loved her with depth. She felt Valentine’s intentions and accepted him.
Themes Explored
- The prominent themes include:
True Love
The book depicts both genuine love and relationships driven by financial gain. Characters with clear intentions achieve their desired relationships.
Social Class and Money
The author emphasized the impact of class and financial priorities over love. These things are considered things that are necessary for marriage in today’s world.
Deception
If you overgo through the play, you will learn how characters deceive each other for personal benefit.
Moral Lessons
The key lessons for readers from the book are:
- There should be no expectation of wealth in true love.
- Love doesn’t look for worldly things.
- Sacrifice is necessary for achieving your goals.
- Face the odds to achieve your goals.
- Challenge social norms.
Conclusion: Love for Love Summary
Love for Love by William Congreve offers the social beliefs about love. The plot involves a man named Valentine. He was tired of his luxurious lifestyle. He had to pay debts. His father presented him with an option that created a twist in the play.
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