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

2. Which character(s) leave the dining room in Act 4, Scene 2?
(a) Sir Wilfull.
(b) Witwoud.
(c) Lady Wishfort.
(d) Mrs. Millamant and Mrs. Fainall.

3. What does Waitwell bring into the room in the last scene?
(a) His marriage certificate.
(b) His marriage contract with Lady Wishfort.
(c) His personal documents.
(d) The black box.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Congreve's play timeless?

2. Congreve's character Mirabell is a master ________ .

3. What seems to determine the success of the characters in the play?

4. What is Lady Wishfort doing as Act 4, Scene 2 commences?

5. What does Mrs. Millamant ask Witwoud and Petulant as they enter the room in Act 3, Scene 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. How do you think audiences in this era would react to such a revolutionary position as that of Mrs. Millamant who was asking for equal rights?

5. 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?

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

7. Why is Mrs. Marwood one of the least sympathetic characters in the play?

8. 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?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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