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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Foible tell Mrs. Fainall when Lady Wishfort leaves the dressing room?

2. What was Mrs. Millamant's response to her aunt's statement?

3. What are the tastes of poets determined by?

4. What does Foible do when she enters Lady Wishfort's dressing room?

5. Why did Waitwell marry Foible?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what Mrs. Marwood learned when she stayed in the closet in Lady Wishfort's dressing room. How does she react?

2. Describe Mrs. Millamant.

3. Describe Mirabell's feelings for Mrs. Millamant when he discusses his love for her with Fainall in Act 1, Scene 2 in the chocolate house.

4. What do you think that Mirabell's scheme to marry Mrs. Millamant will entail?

5. Explain Fainall's circumstances as we know them by Act 2, Scene 1. What is his relationship with the women in the play?

6. Is Congreve's use of character names symbolic of their personalities an effective device?

7. Describe Fainall's character.

8. In what way(s) is the play different from the usual farce audiences were accustomed to?

9. Why are fame and fortune said to be 'fleeting'?

10. What is the relationship between Lady Wishfort and Mrs. Marwood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In your opinion, who was the most successful character in achieving his or her goals in the play? Why have you chosen this character? Explain why you think this character succeeded where other failed.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the play, Congreve has used poetic devices such as eavesdropping, foreshadowing, and symbols. Citing examples from the play, how did he use each element? Was his use of the device effective or not? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Witwoud, Sir Wilfull, and Petulant are minor characters in the play. They provide comic relief and further the plot along.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the two cousins: Witwoud and Sir Wilfull.

Part 2) What do you think would have happened in the play if Sir Wilfull had insisted on marrying Mrs. Millamant?

Part 3) Describe how Petulant tries to show his importance.

(see the answer keys)

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