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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 kind of person is Sir Wilfull Witwoud?
(a) Happy-go-lucky.
(b) Rude and pretentious.
(c) Youthful and crude.
(d) Genuine but uncultured.

2. Which room in Lady Wishfort's house is the setting for Act 4, Scene 2?
(a) The parlor.
(b) The drawing room.
(c) The dining room.
(d) The conservatory.

3. What does Congreve's cheerful discussion of marriage reveal to the audience?
(a) He illustrates the ways marriage can be perverted.
(b) He feelings that marriage should be based on true communication and understanding.
(c) He shows the true concept of marriage at the time.
(d) He offers a serious commentary on love.

4. What else does Sir Wilfull say when he apologizes for his drunken behavior?
(a) States that he is leaving on his travels.
(b) Promises that he will never drink again.
(c) Says he is ready to marry Mrs. Millamant.
(d) Claims he must continue with his travels.

5. Which character(s) is/are not present in Lady Wishfort's dining room?
(a) Mrs. Millamant and Mrs. Fainall.
(b) Lady Wishfort.
(c) Sir Wilfull and Witwoud.
(d) Mirabell and Fainall.

Short Answer Questions

1. All of the following characteristics of Lady Wishfort's girlish excitement at Sir Rowland's visit are revealed except one. Which characteristic is not true of Lady Wishfort?

2. What does Mrs. Marwood's discussion with Fainall reveal about her character?

3. Why would tabloid reporters be unable to judge the play?

4. What demands does Mrs. Millamant's discussion with Mirabell about marriage reveal?

5. What does Mrs. Marwood do to stop the argument between Petulant and Sir Wilfull in Act 3, Scene 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. Lay out Fainall's demands to keep his knowledge about his wife from society. Is this a reasonable revenge or not?

2. Why does Mirabell agree to help the Fainall's achieve peace in their marriage?

3. Why is this play considered to be universal instead of simply a Restoration comedy of manners?

4. In what way does the discussion of marriage between Lady Wishfort and Sir Rowland differ from the discussion of Mrs. Millamant and Mirabell?

5. How have the fortunes of the lovers been determined in this play? Is this a good thing or a bad one? Explain your point of view.

6. Explain the importance of the discussion of their marriage by Mrs. Millamant and Mirabell.

7. Throughout the play, Mirabell has protested his love for Mrs. Millamant. Citing specific examples, what are some of the ways he has demonstrated his love for Mrs. Millamant?

8. Why does Lady Wishfort accept Mirabell offer to help Mrs. Millamant?

9. Explain Mrs. Fainall's relief at not being found out by her mother.

10. Compare Congreve's opinions on love, marriage, and honesty with another play, novel, movie, etc. you know well.

(see the answer keys)

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