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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. In order for Mrs. Millamant to become Mirabell's prize, he must first ___________ .

2. What happens when Mincing enters the room in Act 3, Scene 3?

3. As Act 3, Scene 3 opens, Mrs. Millamant and Mrs. Marwood are talking. What do we learn from their interaction?

4. Congreve's character Mirabell is a master ________ .

5. What does Mrs. Marwood's discussion with Fainall reveal about her character?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is this play considered to be universal instead of simply a Restoration comedy of manners?

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

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

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

5. Why does Lady Wishfort come to the conclusion that Sir Wilfull will not make a good husband for Mrs. Millamant?

6. Discuss Mrs. Marwood's statements in Act 5, Scene 2.

7. Why is Mrs. Marwood one of the least sympathetic characters in the play?

8. Compare Congreve's opinions on love, marriage, and honesty with another play, novel, movie, etc. you know well.

9. How do you think audiences in this era would react to such a revolutionary position as that of Mrs. Millamant who was asking for equal rights?

10. As Act 4, Scene 2 opens Waitwell seems to be successful in his pursuit of Lady Wishfort. Why is this so? What is Lady Wishfort's reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Find at least three examples in the play which show how Mirabell feels about Mrs. Millamant. Is his love true? What is true love? Explain your point of view.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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