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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. Who witnessed the document in the black box?

2. What is the consequence of the revelation made by Mirabell concerning Mrs. Fainall?

3. What does Mrs. Marwood do to stop the argument between Petulant and Sir Wilfull in Act 3, Scene 3?

4. What demands does Mrs. Millamant's discussion with Mirabell about marriage reveal?

5. What does Waitwell promise to bring Lady Wishfort when he is revealed as an impostor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Mirabell's elaborate plot going to be successful? Explain why or why not?

2. 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?

3. Why does Mirabell agree to help the Fainall's achieve peace in their marriage?

4. Explain the significance of Sir Wilfull Witwoud's travels.

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

6. Discuss Lady Wishfort's plans for receiving Sir Rowland. Why are the plans so elaborate?

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

8. How have the fortunes of the lovers been determined in this play? Is this a good thing or a bad one? Explain your point of view.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the play, Congreve has used poetic devices such as eavesdropping, foreshadowing, and symbols. Citing examples from the play, how did he use each element? Was his use of the device effective or not? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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