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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 does Lady Wishfort dismiss Foible?
(a) Lady Wishfort could not consummate her marriage to Sir Rowland.
(b) Foible was plotting with Mirabell.
(c) Mrs. Fainall had an affair with Mirabell.
(d) Waitwell went to jail.

2. What does Congreve believe about good satirists?
(a) They have the obligation to discuss sexual topics in a funny way.
(b) They should keep their subjects anonymous.
(c) They have the freedom to lampoon the famous.
(d) They should enjoy their power.

3. How is this play properly classified?
(a) As a comedy.
(b) As a drama.
(c) As a satire.
(d) As a comedy of manners.

4. What does the expression 'errant knave' mean?
(a) A man of high birth.
(b) A ladies' champion.
(c) A fool on a mission.
(d) A chivalrous man.

5. What is the consequence of the revelation made by Mirabell concerning Mrs. Fainall?
(a) Sir Wilfull decides to marry Lady Wishfort.
(b) Lady Wishfort says she must give Mrs. Millamant to Mirabell.
(c) Fainall and Marwood become resigned to their failure.
(d) Mrs. Millamant refuses to marry Sir Wilfull.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sir Rowland claim as he enters the dining room and greets Lady Wishfort?

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

3. How much is Mrs. Millamant's fortune?

4. As Act 3, Scene 3 opens, Mrs. Millamant and Mrs. Marwood are talking. What do we learn from their interaction?

5. What does Mirabell do to Fainall at the end of the play?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Does Congreve achieve his purpose with the endless teasing of Sir Wilfull by his half-brother Witwoud and Petulant?

3. As Act 4, Scene 2 opens Waitwell seems to be successful in his pursuit of Lady Wishfort. Why is this so? What is Lady Wishfort's reaction?

4. What is the significance of the black box?

5. Discuss Mrs. Marwood's statements in Act 5, Scene 2.

6. How do critics today differ from Congreve's description of them?

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

8. Is Mirabell's elaborate plot going to be successful? Explain why or why not?

9. Explain the significance of the document in the black box.

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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