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

2. What does Mrs. Marwood's letter to Lady Wishfort reveal?
(a) The marriage contract is actually a fake.
(b) Sir Rowland is an imposter.
(c) Sir Rowland is actually an errant knight.
(d) The contents of Sir Rowland's black box.

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

4. What does Mrs. Millamant ask Witwoud and Petulant as they enter the room in Act 3, Scene 3?
(a) If they have stopped arguing.
(b) If they would sing with Mrs. Marwood.
(c) Where Sir Wilfull is.
(d) Who Sir Wilfull is.

5. What does Mrs. Marwood's discussion with Fainall reveal about her character?
(a) It suggests Fainall blackmailed Mirabell about his affair with his wife, Mrs. Fainall.
(b) It shows she conspires with him often.
(c) It conveys her willingness to hurt anyone in order to get her way.
(d) It demonstrates her ability to get information from anyone.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What qualities is the proposed marriage between Sir Rowland and Lady Wishfort rooted in?

3. What does Waitwell promise to bring Lady Wishfort when he is revealed as an impostor?

4. Why were Witwoud and Petulant arguing at the end of Act 4, Scent 1?

5. What does Sir Wilfull Witwoud's remarks on Wishfort's dressing reveal about his character?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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 makes the scene between Mrs. Fainall and Foible comic?

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

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

7. 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?

8. Discuss Lady Wishfort's plans for receiving Sir Rowland. Why are the plans so elaborate?

9. 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?

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

(see the answer keys)

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