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

2. What is Lady Wishfort's reaction to Mrs. Marwood's suggestion about Mrs. Fainall?
(a) She says she needs time to think.
(b) She disagrees with Mrs. Marwood.
(c) She agrees with Mrs. Marwood.
(d) She complains of a headache and goes to lie down.

3. Who would have received Mrs. Millamant's fortune if Lady Wishfort took it from her?
(a) Fainall.
(b) Her husband.
(c) Lady Wishfort.
(d) Mrs. Fainall.

4. Which room in Lady Wishfort's house is the setting for Act 4, Scene 2?
(a) The conservatory.
(b) The parlor.
(c) The dining room.
(d) The drawing room.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Congreve believe about good satirists?

2. What is Lady Wishfort's reaction to the revelations of Mirabell and Mrs. Fainall?

3. How much is Mrs. Millamant's fortune?

4. How does Mrs. Millamant show her devilish attitude during her chat with Mrs. Marwood?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

10. Compare Congreve's opinions on love, marriage, and honesty with another play, novel, movie, etc. you know well.

(see the answer keys)

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