Question for November 11: The Way of the World, Acts 1 and 2

The hero of "The Way of the World" is Mirabell.  He is a character whose "heroism" made perfect sense to 18th century audiences, but modern audiences tend to have trouble, at first, viewing him as the hero of the story.  Examine the character of Mirabell as he is presented in Acts 1 and 2 (pp. 2228-48).  The last three paragraphs of the introduction, pages 2227-28, will be helpful in explaining the characters and their relationships.  What relationships with women has Mirabell had in the past?  Whom does he want to marry?  What admirable (or disturbing) actions has he done in the past?  Discuss Mirabell actions and passions and decide whether or not you find him heroic thus far.