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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. Why did Congreve use the epilogue?
2. What else does Sir Wilfull say when he apologizes for his drunken behavior?
3. How does Mrs. Millamant show her devilish attitude during her chat with Mrs. Marwood?
4. Why does Lady Wishfort praise Mrs. Marwood at the beginning of Act 5, Scene 2?
5. How does Foible disobey Lady Wishfort instructions when Lady Wishfort sends Foible to ensure Sir Wilfull and Mrs. Millamant talk?
Short Essay Questions
1. In what way does the discussion of marriage between Lady Wishfort and Sir Rowland differ from the discussion of Mrs. Millamant and Mirabell?
2. As a play, The Way of the World met with little success. However, critics believe it is one of the best comedies of manners ever written. Why do you think there is such a difference in opinion between audiences and critics?
3. Is Mirabell's elaborate plot going to be successful? Explain why or why not?
4. Explain the significance of Sir Wilfull Witwoud's travels.
5. What makes the scene between Mrs. Fainall and Foible comic?
6. Discuss Lady Wishfort's character as it has developed throughout the play.
7. Lay out Fainall's demands to keep his knowledge about his wife from society. Is this a reasonable revenge or not?
8. 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?
9. 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?
10. Compare Congreve's opinions on love, marriage, and honesty with another play, novel, movie, etc. you know well.
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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.
Essay Topic 2
In the prologue, Congreve claims that tastes are determined by fate and that natural fools are blessed by fate. What does he mean? Does fate determine our destiny? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
Essay Topic 3
In what ways has the structure of play changed since Congreve wrote The Way of the World? Give specific examples to back up your statements.
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This section contains 1,098 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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