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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. The prologue begins with a comparison of what?

2. Why does Mirabell believe the scheme to deceive Lady Wishfort is necessary?

3. Why did Mirabell and Mrs. Fainall choose Fainall as her husband?

4. Why are poets often fooled?

5. Why does Congreve tell the audience that they will not be offended to any reference to fools in the play?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mrs. Millamant.

2. 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.

3. Why does Congreve believe that 'natural fools' are blessed by fortune?

4. Describe Fainall's character.

5. What do you think is Congreve's purpose in establishing an affair between Fainall and Mrs. Marwood?

6. Describe Mirabell's character.

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 Sir Wilfull Witwoud.

9. Describe Lady Wishfort.

10. Describe Mirabell's plan to marry Mrs. Millamant.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the terms of marriage between the couples in the play and how those terms of marriage are the same or different from today's marriages. Support your answer with specific examples from the play.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

How much are the characters molded by their time and place? Would the same characters act differently in modern society? What traits would remain the same and which ones would be replaced with other traits?

(see the answer keys)

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