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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. Why is the theatrical device 'eavesdropping' used by Marwood comical?
(a) She wants revenge on Mirabell.
(b) She is forced to listen to the other character's true opinions of her.
(c) She is intrigued by the plots going on.
(d) She is self-important.

2. What does Mrs. Fainall reveal to Foible in her mother's dressing room?
(a) She loves Mrs. Millamant and wants the plan to succeed.
(b) She knows of Mirabell's plans.
(c) She is worried about Lady Wishfort's reaction.
(d) She supports Mrs. Marwood in her scheme.

3. Who is Mrs. Millamant?
(a) Fainall's sister.
(b) An acquaintance of Mirabell.
(c) A relative of the two gentlemen.
(d) The woman Mirabell loves.

4. What does Mirabell state that he believes about Mrs. Millamant to Fainall?
(a) That Mrs. Millamant should not be so cruel to him.
(b) That Mrs. Millamant's faults are a nuisance.
(c) That he will help her improve on her faults.
(d) That Mrs. Millamant's faults suit her very well.

5. What does Mrs. Marwood promise herself after hearing how Mirabell feels about her?
(a) That she will not chase him anymore.
(b) That she still loves him and is going to have him.
(c) That she is going to see him in dire circumstances some day and then she will have her revenge.
(d) That she will help him in his scheme against Lady Wishfort.

Short Answer Questions

1. Foible tell Lady Wishfort all but one of the following. Which statement is incorrect?

2. What does the dramatic device of naming characters that are symbolic of their personality traits allow the playwright Congreve to do?

3. Why is Mrs. Fainall's husband cold to her?

4. Who are Witwoud and Petulant?

5. While drinking chocolate, what else are Mirabell and Fainall doing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mirabell's feelings for Mrs. Millamant when he discusses his love for her with Fainall in Act 1, Scene 2 in the chocolate house.

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

3. Describe Sir Wilfull Witwoud.

4. Describe Mirabell's plan to marry Mrs. Millamant.

5. Describe Fainall's character.

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

7. In what way(s) is the play different from the usual farce audiences were accustomed to?

8. Why does Congreve believe that 'natural fools' are blessed by fortune?

9. What is the relationship between Waitwell and Foible?

10. Explain what Mrs. Marwood learned when she stayed in the closet in Lady Wishfort's dressing room. How does she react?

(see the answer keys)

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