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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 qualities is the proposed marriage between Sir Rowland and Lady Wishfort rooted in?

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

3. What social issues did the play focus on?

4. Why would tabloid reporters be unable to judge the play?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss Mrs. Marwood's statements in Act 5, Scene 2.

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. Explain the significance of Sir Wilfull Witwoud's travels.

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

7. Discuss Lady Wishfort's reaction to Foible's revelations in Act 5, Scene 1.

8. In what way does the discussion of marriage between Lady Wishfort and Sir Rowland differ from the discussion of Mrs. Millamant and Mirabell?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Did you like the ending of the play? Do you think it was consistent with the events leading up to the conclusion? How would you have changed it? Write a brief essay explaining how you felt about Congreve's ending.

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

Lady Wishfort is a vain, silly woman who is bound by the rules of Restoration society. Discuss her character giving illustrations from the play. What are some of the rules she tried to obey? How is this different from today's society?

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