The Man of the World (1792)

"The Man of the World" by Charles Macklin is a comedic play set in the 1700s, focusing on the ambitious Sir Pertinax Macsycophant and his family, their relationships, and the challenges they face as they navigate society. The story kicks off with servants whispering about Charles Egerton and Constantia, who are falling for each other, while Sir Pertinax plots to marry Charles off to someone else for a boost in status. Constantia is torn because she feels like she owes loyalty to Lady Macsycophant, even though she wants to be with Charles. This sets up a funny and dramatic situation where we see the problems with love, duty, and doing what’s right in a world obsessed with being popular and climbing the social ladder.