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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 is the second kind of fool blessed by?

2. What is Lady Wishfort's reaction to Mrs. Marwood's suggestion about Sir Wilfull?

3. Why is Mrs. Fainall's husband cold to her?

4. For what purpose are the cosmetics used in Act 3, Scene 1?

5. Who are Witwoud and Petulant?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Congreve use 'eavesdropping' in Act 3, Scene 1?

2. Describe Petulant.

3. Describe how the cosmetics used in Act 3, Scene 1 become a symbol.

4. Describe what we know about Mrs. Marwood at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 1.

5. Who is the most important character in the play? Describe him.

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

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

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

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

10. Describe Lady Wishfort.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Congreve was criticized because he did not use farce in his play. Why was this important to the audiences? How is farce used in today's literature, movies, and TV programs?

Essay Topic 2

If you were a friend of Mirabell, would you have supported his scheme to marry Mrs. Millamant? Explain why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

The motives of the characters seem to determine their success in the play. Discuss the different character's motivations in this play. Did any of them have the same motivations? What factors influenced the character's motivations?

(see the answer keys)

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