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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the prologue permit Congreve to do to the audience?
(a) It gives him a platform where he can answer his critics.
(b) It serves as a sounding board for his concept of drama.
(c) It shows how the poet is always in charge of the performance.
(d) It allows him to introduce the themes of the play.

2. What does Mrs. Marwood promise herself after hearing how Mirabell feels about her?
(a) That she is going to see him in dire circumstances some day and then she will have her revenge.
(b) That she will not chase him anymore.
(c) That she still loves him and is going to have him.
(d) That she will help him in his scheme against Lady Wishfort.

3. Where is Mrs. Marwood at the opening of Act 3, Scene 2?
(a) In Lady Wishfort's closet.
(b) In Lady Wishfort's sitting room.
(c) In Lady Wishfort's kitchen.
(d) In Lady Wishfort's dining room.

4. What does Mrs. Marwood mean when she tells Lady Wishfort she was entertained by what she heard?
(a) She was offended.
(b) She found the situation hilariously funny.
(c) She was amused.
(d) She could hardly contain her anger.

5. What is a cabal?
(a) A military uprising.
(b) A group of friends.
(c) A secret society; a plot.
(d) A meeting of enemies against the state.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Congreve tell the audience that they will not be offended to any reference to fools in the play?

2. Are the tastes of poets random?

3. Why did Lady Wishfort need to apply rouge?

4. What does Foible convince Lady Wishfort to announce about the uncle?

5. Which word best describes what Mincing believes Witwoud to be?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Congreve believe that 'natural fools' are blessed by fortune?

2. Describe how the cosmetics used in Act 3, Scene 1 become a symbol.

3. In Act 3, Scene 1, Lady Wishfort is excited about the arrival of Sir Rowland in the evening. In a short paragraph, describe the Sir Rowland plot as shown up to this point. What do you think will happen to Sir Rowland and Lady Wishfort?

4. Describe Mirabell's feelings for Mrs. Millamant when he discusses his love for her with Fainall in Act 1, Scene 2 in the chocolate house.

5. Describe Mirabell's plan to marry Mrs. Millamant.

6. In what way(s) is the play different from the usual farce audiences were accustomed to?

7. Describe Lady Wishfort.

8. Describe what we know about Mrs. Marwood at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 1.

9. Congreve says the play doesn't contain satire yet the play is full of satirical pictures of different behaviors by the characters. Why do you think he made this statement?

10. Why does Mrs. Marwood tell Lady Wishfort she has seen Foible with Mirabell?

(see the answer keys)

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