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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 was the cologne given to the footmen?
(a) To prevent the footmen from smelling like stable hands.
(b) To disguise bodily odor.
(c) To give the footmen a little bonus.
(d) To add to the elegance of the party.

2. How do we know Lady Wishfort has not read the entire letter?
(a) Because since Mrs. Fainall insists Mincing help her refute adultery charges when the trial begins.
(b) She doesn't realize her daughter Mrs. Fainall plotted against her.
(c) Because Foible reveals secrets about Mrs. Marwood to Mrs. Fainall, and Lady Wishfort is unaware of this problem.
(d) Because Mirabell gets Waitwell out of jail without Lady Wishfort's knowledge.

3. Why did Congreve use the epilogue?
(a) To urge the critics to praise his play.
(b) It satisfied his need for self-justification.
(c) To defy the critics by ranting against their analysis.
(d) It provided the opportunity for a pre-planned response to his critics.

4. What purpose does the interaction between Sir Rowland and Lady Wishfort serve as they discuss marriage?
(a) As a caricature of courtship.
(b) To conciliate their arrangement.
(c) To demonstrate the honesty of the two characters.
(d) To convey Congreve's opinion of Restoration courtship.

5. What has Lady Wishfort discovered that has her so angry at the beginning of Act 5, Scene 1?
(a) Her suitor, Sir Rowland, was a fake.
(b) Fainall is going to ruin her.
(c) Sir Rowland was actually a foreigner.
(d) Her maid was stealing from her.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the item that Waitwell brings into the room in the last scene contain?

2. What does Foible tell Mrs. Millamant when she reaches her in Act 4, Scene 1?

3. Why does Mrs. Millamant agree to marry Sir Wilfull?

4. How is this play properly classified?

5. Why does Mrs. Millamant leave the room after the arrival of Witwoud and Petulant?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why is Mrs. Marwood trying to provoke Mrs. Millamant in Act 3, Scene 3?

7. What makes the scene between Mrs. Fainall and Foible comic?

8. Discuss Lady Wishfort's reaction to Foible's revelations in Act 5, Scene 1.

9. Why do we feel sympathy for Lady Wishfort even though she is vain and is berating a servant at the beginning Act 5, Scene 1?

10. Why does Lady Wishfort come to the conclusion that Sir Wilfull will not make a good husband for Mrs. Millamant?

(see the answer keys)

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