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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mirabell's plan consist of?

2. What happens if Mirabell's uncle marries and has a child?

3. Why is Fainall bored when talking with Mirabell in the chocolate house?

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

5. Who is Sir Rowland?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do you think that Mirabell's scheme to marry Mrs. Millamant will entail?

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

4. Why does Congreve use 'eavesdropping' in Act 3, Scene 1?

5. What are some of the ways in which Mrs. Marwood is able to manipulate the men around her?

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

7. Describe Lady Wishfort.

8. 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?

9. What do you think is Congreve's purpose in establishing an affair between Fainall and Mrs. Marwood?

10. Describe Sir Wilfull Witwoud.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think that the audiences of Restoration society did not like the play? Would audiences today be more receptive? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Congreve seemed to be critical of Restoration society for various reasons. Find at least three examples in the play that illustrate his criticism. Explain why he thought each one of these points was negative. How would he have changed these failings? Explain your answer in detail.

Essay Topic 3

Witwoud, Sir Wilfull, and Petulant are minor characters in the play. They provide comic relief and further the plot along.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the two cousins: Witwoud and Sir Wilfull.

Part 2) What do you think would have happened in the play if Sir Wilfull had insisted on marrying Mrs. Millamant?

Part 3) Describe how Petulant tries to show his importance.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample