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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. Why are failed poets unable to judge Congreve's play?

2. Why is the Fainall marriage over?

3. What is Lady Wishfort's reaction to Mrs. Marwood's suggestion about Mrs. Fainall?

4. What has happened to Waitwell after Lady Wishfort discovers what he really is?

5. Who delivered the epilogue?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Lady Wishfort's reaction to Foible's revelations in Act 5, Scene 1.

2. Does Congreve achieve his purpose with the endless teasing of Sir Wilfull by his half-brother Witwoud and Petulant?

3. In what way does the discussion of marriage between Lady Wishfort and Sir Rowland differ from the discussion of Mrs. Millamant and Mirabell?

4. Why does Lady Wishfort accept Mirabell offer to help Mrs. Millamant?

5. How do critics today differ from Congreve's description of them?

6. Explain Mrs. Fainall's relief at not being found out by her mother.

7. What is the significance of the black box?

8. Explain the importance of the discussion of their marriage by Mrs. Millamant and Mirabell.

9. Why do we feel sympathy for Lady Wishfort even though she is vain and is berating a servant at the beginning Act 5, Scene 1?

10. Explain the significance of the document in the black box.

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

Lady Wishfort is a vain, silly woman who is bound by the rules of Restoration society. Discuss her character giving illustrations from the play. What are some of the rules she tried to obey? How is this different from today's society?

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?

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