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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. All of the following are true except one. As Mrs. Marwood discovers Mirabell's plot, she ______ .
(a) Plots to destroy Mirabell's scheme.
(b) Vows revenge.
(c) Wants him to fail.
(d) Feels angry with Mrs. Wishfort.

2. What does Fainall comment about the gathering the previous evening at Lady Wishfort's?
(a) Mrs. Millamant has another lover.
(b) Everyone knows that Mrs. Millamant is unhappy with Mirabell.
(c) Witwoud and Petulant are only trying to woo Mrs. Millamant.
(d) Mrs. Millamant was only obeying her aunt's wishes.

3. 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 will help him in his scheme against Lady Wishfort.
(d) That she still loves him and is going to have him.

4. Why did Mirabell leave Lady Wishfort's house the previous evening?
(a) Because he felt unwelcome.
(b) Because he felt ill and wanted to rest at home.
(c) Because he detested Lady Wishfort and only went because of Mrs. Millamant.
(d) Because of another commitment.

5. What news does the footman bring Mirabell at the chocolate house?
(a) That Waitwell and Foible have run away together.
(b) That Foible wanted to speak to him.
(c) That Waitwell and Foible are married.
(d) That his coachman, Waitwell, is waiting with his carriage.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mirabell state that he believes about Mrs. Millamant to Fainall?

2. Why were the first performances heavily criticized?

3. What do the different marriages introduced in the play seem to be motivated by?

4. What is the relationship between Witwoud and Sir Wilfull Witwoud?

5. Does Mrs. Marwood tell Lady Wishfort everything she overheard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Petulant.

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

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

4. 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?

5. Describe Mirabell's character.

6. Why are fame and fortune said to be 'fleeting'?

7. What is the relationship between Waitwell and Foible?

8. How does Congreve feel about Mirabell's plot?

9. Who is the most important character in the play? Describe him.

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

(see the answer keys)

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