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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. What qualities is the proposed marriage between Sir Rowland and Lady Wishfort rooted in?

2. Why did Congreve use the epilogue?

3. What kind of person is Sir Wilfull Witwoud?

4. Why does Lady Wishfort praise Mrs. Marwood at the beginning of Act 5, Scene 2?

5. Why does Lady Wishfort criticize her daughter, Mrs. Fainall?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Mrs. Marwood trying to provoke Mrs. Millamant in Act 3, Scene 3?

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

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

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

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

7. What makes the scene between Mrs. Fainall and Foible comic?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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