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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. One of the three types of critics that Concreve claims is_____________.

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

3. Why would tabloid reporters be unable to judge the play?

4. What does the final couplet of the play warn the audience against?

5. What kind of person is Sir Wilfull Witwoud?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Discuss Lady Wishfort's character as it has developed throughout the play.

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

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

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Congreve's play is a comedy yet it has serious overtones. Explain how the playwright achieves both in this work. Give examples to illustrate your points.

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