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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Another dramatic device is used in the final lines of Act 1, Scene 1 when Mirabell hints at a scheme involving Wishfort's maid. This device is known as:
(a) Foreshadowing.
(b) Denouement.
(c) Climax.
(d) Omnipresence.

2. What does Mrs. Marwood claim while talking to Mrs. Fainall?
(a) Men are cold as husbands.
(b) Lovers are more passionate.
(c) She is cuckolding her husband with Mirabell.
(d) She would rather love and be left than not be loved at all.

3. Why does Petulant hire three prostitutes?
(a) Satisfy his sexual needs.
(b) Feign importance to his peers.
(c) Act as a foil to his popularity.
(d) Show his lack of social sensitivity.

4. What else does Foible tell Mrs. Fainall?
(a) Mrs. Marwood loves Mirabell.
(b) Mrs. Marwood is having an affair.
(c) Mirabell finds Mrs. Fainall unattractive.
(d) Mirabell secretly admires Mrs. Marwood.

5. What are Mrs. Fainall and Mrs. Marwood doing at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 2?
(a) Discussing their husbands.
(b) Discussing their lovers.
(c) Discussing men while they walk.
(d) Talking about Mrs. Millamant.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Foible convince Lady Wishfort to announce about the uncle?

2. Why did Mirabell leave Lady Wishfort's house the previous evening?

3. The prologue begins with a comparison of what?

4. For what purpose are the cosmetics used in Act 3, Scene 1?

5. Why does Mirabell believe the scheme to deceive Lady Wishfort is necessary?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Congreve use 'eavesdropping' in Act 3, Scene 1?

2. What opinion do you have of Mirabell's trickery in pretending to love Lady Wishfort in order to marry Mrs. Millamant? Is this too far-fetched to be believable or is it a possibility? Explain your point of view using specific examples from the play.

3. Is Congreve's use of character names symbolic of their personalities an effective device?

4. How does Congreve feel about Mirabell's plot?

5. Why are fame and fortune said to be 'fleeting'?

6. What do you think is Congreve's purpose in establishing an affair between Fainall and Mrs. Marwood?

7. Describe Fainall's character.

8. What is the relationship between Waitwell and Foible?

9. Describe Sir Wilfull Witwoud.

10. Describe Lady Wishfort.

(see the answer keys)

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