View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Congreve's claim that there are three types of critics includes all except one of the following. Which one is it?
(a) Other successful playwrights.
(b) Failed poets who have no qualifications for judging others.
(c) Tabloid reporters.
(d) Those who always dislike the plays they see.

2. When Fainall enters in Act 5, Scene 2, what does he do?
(a) He states he is divorcing her daughter.
(b) He begins to dictate his terms.
(c) He suggests Lady Wishfort make him an offer.
(d) He greets Mrs. Marwood a kiss.

3. As Lady Wishfort steps out of the dining room to read a letter, what does Waitwell claim to Foible?
(a) He knows he is in over his head.
(b) He would rather be a chairman than Wishfort's husband.
(c) He thinks Lady Wishfort is obsessed with sex.
(d) He is rather tired of this pretense.

4. 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?
(a) She is a typical lady of Restoration society.
(b) She is a genuine person.
(c) She is an aging woman.
(d) She is a vain fool.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens when Mincing enters the room in Act 3, Scene 3?

2. What has Lady Wishfort discovered that has her so angry at the beginning of Act 5, Scene 1?

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

4. What advice does Mirabell give Lady Wishfort when she protests Fainall's demands?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. As a play, The Way of the World met with little success. However, critics believe it is one of the best comedies of manners ever written. Why do you think there is such a difference in opinion between audiences and critics?

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

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

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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?

8. Explain the significance of Sir Wilfull Witwoud's travels.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,069 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample