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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. What does Foible do when she enters Lady Wishfort's dressing room?
(a) She says Witwoud and Petulant have arrived.
(b) She helps Lady Wishfort dress.
(c) She announces Sir Rowland.
(d) She asks Mrs. Marwood to keep the men company.

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

3. Why does Mirabell criticize Fainall at the chocolate house?
(a) Because he dislikes Fainall's wife.
(b) Because Fainall is drinking too much.
(c) Because he allowed his wife to ignored Mirabell the previous night.
(d) Because he is angry with Fainall.

4. What is the purpose of this play's prologue?
(a) To set the stage for a 'rant' against society.
(b) To encourage other poets.
(c) To introduce Congreve and his play.
(d) To instruct the audience about love.

5. Does Mrs. Marwood tell Lady Wishfort everything she overheard?
(a) We don't know.
(b) It is impossible to say.
(c) No.
(d) Yes.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who are Witwoud and Petulant?

2. What is a prologue?

3. What news does the footman bring Mirabell at the chocolate house?

4. What do the different marriages introduced in the play seem to be motivated by?

5. What is Lady Wishfort planning to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Do you think that a prologue is a good way to introduce a play? Why or why not?

3. 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.

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

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

6. Describe Fainall's character.

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

8. Describe Lady Wishfort.

9. Mrs. Marwood is someone who thinks of revenge when others cross her. What scheme do you think Mrs. Marwood is planning to extract her revenge on Mirabell?

10. Congreve says the play doesn't contain satire yet the play is full of satirical pictures of different behaviors by the characters. Why do you think he made this statement?

(see the answer keys)

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