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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. In order for Mrs. Millamant to become Mirabell's prize, he must first ___________ .
(a) Keep Sir Wilfull from marrying Mrs. Millamant.
(b) Prevent Fainall from divorcing Mrs. Fainall.
(c) Defeat Fainall's machinations.
(d) Stop Fainall from killing Mrs. Fainall.

2. Why is Sir Wilfull unsuccessful when he tries to woo Mrs. Millamant?
(a) Because he is too ignorant and is easily defeated by Mrs. Millamant.
(b) Because he has no idea of what he is doing.
(c) Because he is a fool that prefers horses.
(d) Because he is too drunk to succeed.

3. As Act 3, Scene 3 opens, Mrs. Millamant and Mrs. Marwood are talking. What do we learn from their interaction?
(a) Their feelings about Mirabell's romances.
(b) How they feel about Petulant and Witwoud.
(c) Their true characters.
(d) Their beliefs about the 'game' of love.

4. What does Mrs. Marwood do to stop the argument between Petulant and Sir Wilfull in Act 3, Scene 3?
(a) She asks Sir Wilfull to stay in the city.
(b) She asks them to be quiet.
(c) She introduces the two brothers.
(d) She says she has a headache.

5. What demands does Mrs. Millamant's discussion with Mirabell about marriage reveal?
(a) She pleads that he not become a drunkard.
(b) She suggests he limit his numerous affairs.
(c) She asks him to always be faithful.
(d) She wants equal rights in her marriage.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which one of the following statements was not revealed by Mincing to Foible?

2. What does Sir Wilfull Witwoud's remarks on Wishfort's dressing reveal about his character?

3. Why does Lady Wishfort praise Mrs. Marwood at the beginning of Act 5, Scene 2?

4. What else does Sir Wilfull say when he apologizes for his drunken behavior?

5. As Lady Wishfort steps out of the dining room to read a letter, what does Waitwell claim to Foible?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Mrs. Marwood trying to provoke Mrs. Millamant in Act 3, Scene 3?

3. 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.

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

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

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. Why does Mirabell agree to help the Fainall's achieve peace in their marriage?

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

10. Lay out Fainall's demands to keep his knowledge about his wife from society. Is this a reasonable revenge or not?

(see the answer keys)

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