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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 is Congreve's play timeless?
(a) It was comic.
(b) It is a period piece.
(c) It makes witty statements about love and lovers.
(d) It focuses on social issues.

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

3. How does Mrs. Millamant show her devilish attitude during her chat with Mrs. Marwood?
(a) She states she doesn't believe Mrs. Marwood's relationships are noble.
(b) She fusses at Mincing.
(c) She makes remarks about Mrs. Marwood's age.
(d) She demands Mrs. Marwood sing a song.

4. Which one of the following statements was not revealed by Mincing to Foible?
(a) Fainall has threatened to divorce his wife unless she gives him her fortune.
(b) Fainall has ordered Mirabell arrested.
(c) Mirabell got Waitwell out of jail.
(d) Mirabell orders her to hide until Lady Wishfort gets over being angry.

5. What does the final couplet of the play warn the audience against?
(a) Falsehood and adultery in marriage.
(b) Love.
(c) Vanity.
(d) Greed.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Mrs. Marwood urge Lady Wishfort to reconsider her desire to hear Fainall's proof of his wife's adultery?

2. What has Lady Wishfort discovered that has her so angry at the beginning of Act 5, Scene 1?

3. Who rescues Waitwell after his difficulties?

4. Why was the cologne given to the footmen?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is this play considered to be universal instead of simply a Restoration comedy of manners?

3. Explain the importance of the discussion of their marriage by Mrs. Millamant and Mirabell.

4. 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?

5. 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.

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

7. 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?

8. What is the significance of the black box?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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