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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. Why was the cologne given to the footmen?
(a) To prevent the footmen from smelling like stable hands.
(b) To add to the elegance of the party.
(c) To disguise bodily odor.
(d) To give the footmen a little bonus.

2. What does the expression 'errant knave' mean?
(a) A man of high birth.
(b) A ladies' champion.
(c) A chivalrous man.
(d) A fool on a mission.

3. What does Foible claim that Lady Wishfort will discover about Waitwell?
(a) He is a scoundrel.
(b) He is a knight of the realm.
(c) He is an errant knave.
(d) He is a gentleman.

4. What does Mrs. Millamant ask Witwoud and Petulant as they enter the room in Act 3, Scene 3?
(a) If they have stopped arguing.
(b) If they would sing with Mrs. Marwood.
(c) Where Sir Wilfull is.
(d) Who Sir Wilfull is.

5. What does Mirabell do to Fainall at the end of the play?
(a) Asks him to a duel.
(b) Suggests Fainall leave with Mrs. Marwood.
(c) Tells Fainall that he is a liar and a cheat.
(d) Exposes his affair with Mrs. Marwood.

Short Answer Questions

1. Lady Wishfort convinces herself that her daughter is innocent in a soliloquy. What is a soliloquy?

2. Why does Lady Wishfort dismiss Foible?

3. What has happened to Waitwell after Lady Wishfort discovers what he really is?

4. What does Waitwell bring into the room in the last scene?

5. Who delivered the epilogue?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the significance of the black box?

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

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

5. Throughout the play, Mirabell has protested his love for Mrs. Millamant. Citing specific examples, what are some of the ways he has demonstrated his love for Mrs. Millamant?

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

7. How do critics today differ from Congreve's description of them?

8. Explain the significance of the document in the black box.

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

10. Why do we feel sympathy for Lady Wishfort even though she is vain and is berating a servant at the beginning Act 5, Scene 1?

(see the answer keys)

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