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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 is Fainall upset with Mrs. Marwood at the end of Act 3, Scene 3?

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

3. What does Mrs. Fainall ask the maids to do for her at the end of Act 5, Scene 1?

4. How do we know Lady Wishfort has not read the entire letter?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

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

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

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

5. What is the significance of the black box?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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