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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. How do Fainall and Mrs. Marwood decide to reveal Mirabell's plan to Lady Wishfort?
(a) In an anonymous letter.
(b) By talking to her.
(c) Demanding Mirabell confesses.
(d) Through servants.

2. What are the first poets going to do when judging a play?
(a) Insult the dramatist.
(b) Suggest the author is unable to produce another good work.
(c) Say it is unworthy of the playwright.
(d) Say they dislike it, because they always dislike the plays they see.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Lady Wishfort convinces herself that her daughter is innocent in a soliloquy. What is a soliloquy?

2. Who would have received Mrs. Millamant's fortune if Lady Wishfort took it from her?

3. What kind of person is Sir Wilfull Witwoud?

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

5. Which character(s) is/are not present in Lady Wishfort's dining room?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the significance of 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. 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?

6. Discuss Lady Wishfort's character as it has developed throughout the play.

7. 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?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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