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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 the scene where Mrs. Marwood is left in the closet reveal about her?

2. Who is Mrs. Millamant?

3. What phrase describes the relationship between Mirabell and Mrs. Fainall?

4. What is a cabal?

5. What did Lady Wishfort say or do that offended Mirabell?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Petulant.

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

3. Is Congreve being facetious when he says the play's purpose is to entertain the audience and not instruct them about life?

4. 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.

5. Describe Sir Wilfull Witwoud.

6. Mrs. Marwood is someone who thinks of revenge when others cross her. What scheme do you think Mrs. Marwood is planning to extract her revenge on Mirabell?

7. In Act 3, Scene 1, Lady Wishfort is excited about the arrival of Sir Rowland in the evening. In a short paragraph, describe the Sir Rowland plot as shown up to this point. What do you think will happen to Sir Rowland and Lady Wishfort?

8. Describe Mirabell's character.

9. Why does Mrs. Marwood tell Lady Wishfort she has seen Foible with Mirabell?

10. Why does Mrs. Fainall support Mirabell's plans?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways has the structure of play changed since Congreve wrote The Way of the World? Give specific examples to back up your statements.

Essay Topic 2

There are multiple devious characters in this play. Discuss who they are, their motivations, and their purpose in the play. Did they deserve their outcome? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Congreve claimed that 'Fame and fortune are fleeting'. What does he mean by this statement? Do you think it is true? Why or why not? Give specific examples (either from the play or real life) to illustrate your point of view.

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