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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 actor who reads the prologue also plays which character?

2. Why did Lady Wishfort need to apply rouge?

3. Why did Mirabell leave Lady Wishfort's house the previous evening?

4. What is the purpose of this play's prologue?

5. What news does the footman bring Mirabell at the chocolate house?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Mirabell's character.

3. How does Congreve feel about Mirabell's plot?

4. Do you think that a prologue is a good way to introduce a play? Why or why not?

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

6. Describe Mrs. Millamant.

7. Describe Petulant.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the prologue, Congreve claims that tastes are determined by fate and that natural fools are blessed by fate. What does he mean? Does fate determine our destiny? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Did you like the ending of the play? Do you think it was consistent with the events leading up to the conclusion? How would you have changed it? Write a brief essay explaining how you felt about Congreve's ending.

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