Restoration Theatre: A Period of Theatrical Revival

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of Restoration comedies?

Accepted Answer

Patriotic themes

Answer

Witty dialogue

Answer

Moral ambiguity

Answer

Elaborate stagecraft

Question 2

William Congreve is often considered the master of which type of Restoration play?

Accepted Answer

Comedy

Answer

Tragedy

Answer

History play

Answer

Musical

Question 3

Aphra Behn is notable for being the first woman to earn her living as a:

Accepted Answer

Playwright

Answer

Actress

Answer

Stage manager

Answer

Theatre critic

Question 4

Which of the following was the first purpose-built theatre in England after the Restoration?

Accepted Answer

Drury Lane Theatre

Answer

Covent Garden Theatre

Answer

Theatre Royal, Haymarket

Answer

Her Majesty's Theatre

Question 5

What was the primary purpose of the prologue and epilogue in Restoration plays?

Accepted Answer

To comment on the play and the audience

Answer

To summarize the plot

Answer

To set the scene

Answer

To introduce the characters

Question 6

The character of the "Restoration Rake" was often portrayed as:

Accepted Answer

A charming but irresponsible womanizer

Answer

A virtuous and upstanding gentleman

Answer

A foolish and gullible dupe

Answer

A vengeful and violent outlaw

Question 7

How did Restoration comedies employ comedic techniques to criticize the social excesses and hypocrisy of their era?

Accepted Answer

By utilizing exaggerated characters and witty dialogue

Answer

By incorporating elaborate stage effects and spectacle

Answer

By employing physical comedy and slapstick

Answer

By integrating serious dramatic themes

Question 8

Which of the following is a distinctive characteristic of plays written during the Restoration Theatre period?

Accepted Answer

Witty comedies

Answer

Puritanical themes

Answer

Minimal stagecraft

Answer

Historical accuracy

Question 9

Who is regarded as the father of English comedy in the Restoration period?

Accepted Answer

William Congreve

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

John Dryden

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Question 10

Which of the following themes is NOT characteristic of Restoration comedies?

Accepted Answer

Religious piety

Answer

Love and marriage

Answer

Political satire

Answer

Social hierarchy

Question 11

Which play by William Congreve is renowned for its intricate plot and witty dialogue?

Accepted Answer

The Country Wife

Answer

Hamlet

Answer

Macbeth

Answer

The Tempest

Question 12

How did the Restoration period impact the development of theatre in England?

Accepted Answer

It led to a revival of theatre after the Puritan Commonwealth.

Answer

It marked the end of theatre in England.

Answer

It introduced tragedy as the dominant genre.

Answer

It had no significant impact on English theatre.

Question 13

Which of the following was a significant aspect of Restoration stagecraft?

Accepted Answer

Elaborate sets and costumes

Answer

Minimal lighting

Answer

Audience participation

Answer

Naturalistic performances

Question 14

How did Restoration comedies reflect the social and political climate of England at the time?

Accepted Answer

They satirized the excesses of the upper classes.

Answer

They promoted traditional values and norms.

Answer

They were apolitical in nature.

Answer

They glorified the monarchy.

Question 15

Which of the following is a strength often attributed to Restoration Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Its enduring relevance and universal themes

Answer

Its strict adherence to classical models

Answer

Its emphasis on religious themes

Answer

Its focus on lowbrow humor

Question 16

What is a defining characteristic of comedy of manners as seen in Restoration Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated characters and witty dialogue

Answer

Historical settings and tragic heroes

Answer

Folkloric elements and supernatural themes

Answer

Melodramatic plots and sentimental characters

Question 17

How did the Restoration Theatre period contribute to the development of modern theatre practices?

Accepted Answer

It introduced new genres and theatrical techniques.

Answer

It limited theatrical expression to a narrow range of topics.

Answer

It had no lasting impact on subsequent theatrical forms.

Answer

It encouraged amateur actors and non-professional productions.

Question 18

Which playwright was a prominent figure of the Restoration Theatre period?

Accepted Answer

William Congreve

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Answer

Ben Jonson

Question 19

What was a distinctive characteristic of Restoration comedy?

Accepted Answer

Witty dialogue

Answer

Elaborate costumes and sets

Answer

Political satire

Answer

Tragic endings

Question 20

Which type of theatre was popular during the Restoration period?

Accepted Answer

Masques

Answer

Mystery plays

Answer

Morality plays

Answer

Miracle plays

Question 21

What was the main purpose of the elaborate stagecraft in Restoration Theatre?

Accepted Answer

To create a sense of spectacle and grandeur

Answer

To immerse the audience in the play's setting

Answer

To convey important plot points

Answer

To distract the audience from the play's dialogue

Question 22

How did the Restoration Theatre period contribute to the development of modern theatre?

Accepted Answer

It led to the establishment of permanent theatre companies

Answer

It introduced new acting techniques

Answer

It influenced the rise of realism in theatre

Answer

It paved the way for the development of musical theatre

Question 23

Who was a prominent female playwright during the Restoration period?

Accepted Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

Elizabeth Cary

Answer

Mary Pix

Answer

Anne Finch

Question 24

How did Restoration Theatre serve as a platform for playwrights to critique society? Provide specific examples from Restoration plays.

Accepted Answer

By satirizing corrupt politicians and mocking the arrogance of the aristocracy

Answer

By advocating for traditional values and conservative beliefs

Answer

By avoiding controversial topics to gain public approval

Answer

By focusing solely on providing entertainment and escapism

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of Restoration plays?

Accepted Answer

Serious historical themes

Answer

Witty comedies

Answer

Elaborate stagecraft

Answer

Social satire

Question 26

Who is considered the leading playwright of the Restoration period?

Accepted Answer

William Congreve

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

John Dryden

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Question 27

Which of the following plays by William Congreve is known for its witty dialogue and social satire?

Accepted Answer

The Double-Dealer

Answer

The Tempest

Answer

Macbeth

Answer

Hamlet

Question 28

Which of the following is an example of a 'heroic play' in Restoration Theatre?

Accepted Answer

The Rival Queens

Answer

The Country Wife

Answer

The Way of the World

Answer

She Would If She Could

Question 29

What is the legacy of Restoration Theatre?

Accepted Answer

It influenced the development of modern comedy and drama

Answer

It established the dominance of English theatre on the world stage

Answer

It paved the way for the rise of realism in theatre

Answer

It is considered a minor period in the history of English theatre

Question 30

How did the introduction of movable scenery and stage machinery influence acting techniques in Restoration Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Actors showcased more dynamic movement and physical abilities.

Answer

Actors no longer used elaborate costumes and wigs.

Answer

Acting shifted towards realism and naturalism.

Answer

Actors de-emphasized the spoken word.

Question 31

How did the Restoration period's focus on reason and observation shape the themes and style of Restoration Theatre?

Accepted Answer

A shift towards more realistic characters and plots

Answer

Increased use of symbolic characters

Answer

A break from traditional theatre and embrace of new forms

Answer

A focus on supernatural elements and mystical plots

Question 32

In what ways has Restoration Theatre's legacy shaped the conventions, themes, and advancements of modern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Restoration Theatre's witty dialogue and social commentary are still evident in many contemporary plays.

Accepted Answer

Restoration Theatre's innovative use of music and dance has had a lasting impact on musical theatre.

Answer

Restoration Theatre's influence on modern theatre practices has been negligible.

Answer

Restoration Theatre's elaborate stagecraft has rendered it impractical to stage plays from that era today.

Question 33

Identify the playwright widely regarded as the pioneer of Restoration comedy.

Accepted Answer

William Congreve

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

John Dryden

Answer

Aphra Behn

Question 34

Which characteristic distinguishes Restoration drama?

Accepted Answer

Witty repartee

Answer

Historical accuracy

Answer

Moral didacticism

Answer

Spectacular battle scenes

Question 35

Which theme is not commonly explored in Restoration plays?

Accepted Answer

Metaphysical exploration

Answer

Love and marriage

Answer

Political satire

Answer

Sexual intrigue

Question 36

Which Restoration play is renowned for its bawdy humor and examination of sexual morality?

Accepted Answer

The Country Wife

Answer

The Way of the World

Answer

Oroonoko

Answer

All for Love

Question 37

How did the lifting of censorship during the Restoration period contribute to the growth of theatre?

Accepted Answer

It gave playwrights more freedom to express themselves and explore controversial topics.

Answer

It led to a decrease in the quality of theatre productions.

Answer

It had no significant impact on theatre productions.

Question 38

Which characteristic feature is NOT typical of Restoration theatre?

Accepted Answer

Didactic and moralistic plays

Answer

Witty and satirical comedies

Answer

Elaborate stagecraft and scenic designs

Answer

Social and political commentary

Question 39

What was the primary purpose of introducing the proscenium arch in Restoration theatres?

Accepted Answer

To create a physical separation between the audience and the stage

Answer

To enhance the audience's immersion in the performance

Answer

To improve the acoustics within the theatre

Answer

To facilitate the use of elaborate stage machinery

Question 40

Which actor was particularly renowned for his portrayal of Restoration fops?

Accepted Answer

Edward Kynaston

Answer

Richard Burbage

Answer

Thomas Betterton

Answer

Henry Harris

Question 41

How did the Restoration Theatre period come to an end?

Accepted Answer

With the rise of sentimental drama in the early 18th century

Answer

With the death of King Charles II

Answer

With the Glorious Revolution of 1688

Answer

With the closure of all theatres in England

Question 42

What was the role of music in Restoration theatre?

Accepted Answer

Music was an integral part of the performances, often accompanying songs, dances, and action

Answer

Music was primarily used to fill in scene changes or provide entertainment during intermissions

Answer

Music was not a significant element of Restoration theatre

Answer

Music was only used in tragedies, not in comedies

Question 43

How did Restoration theatre reflect the social and political changes that occurred during that time?

Accepted Answer

By satirizing the excesses and vices of the court and aristocracy

Answer

By reinforcing traditional gender roles and social hierarchies

Answer

By promoting religious tolerance and social reform

Answer

By ignoring contemporary events and focusing solely on entertainment

Question 44

Which of the following was a hallmark of Restoration comedies?

Accepted Answer

Witty and suggestive dialogue

Answer

Historical and mythical themes

Answer

Serious and political narratives

Answer

Elaborate costumes and pageantry

Question 45

Who is widely regarded as the most prominent playwright of the Restoration era?

Accepted Answer

William Congreve

Answer

George Farquhar

Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

John Vanbrugh

Question 46

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Restoration stage?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on realism and everyday life

Answer

Use of proscenium arch and perspective scenery

Answer

Elaborate costumes and makeup

Question 47

Restoration plays often explored important social issues. Which of the following was a significant theme addressed?

Accepted Answer

The emergence and influence of the middle class

Answer

The devastating impact of the Great Fire of London

Answer

The decline of the monarchy

Answer

The rise and spread of Puritanism

Question 48

Who holds the distinction of being the first female playwright to have a play staged on the English public stage?

Accepted Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

Susannah Centlivre

Answer

Mary Pix

Question 49

Which playwright is known for their extensive use of heroic couplets in Restoration verse dramas?

Accepted Answer

John Dryden

Answer

Thomas Otway

Answer

George Etheredge

Answer

William Congreve

Question 50

What was a key characteristic of Restoration comedies?

Accepted Answer

Witty and clever dialogue

Answer

Dramatic and intense plots

Answer

Focus on historical accuracy

Answer

Emphasis on religious themes

Question 51

Who is often referred to as the 'father' of English Restoration comedy?

Accepted Answer

William Wycherley

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

John Dryden

Answer

George Bernard Shaw

Question 52

Which of William Congreve's plays is famous for its witty wordplay and social satire?

Accepted Answer

The Way of the World

Answer

Hamlet

Answer

Romeo and Juliet

Answer

King Lear

Question 53

What was a significant feature of Restoration theatre staging?

Accepted Answer

Elaborate scenery and costumes

Answer

Minimalist sets

Answer

Audience participation

Answer

Use of black box theatres

Question 54

Which of these themes was commonly explored in Restoration comedies?

Accepted Answer

Social class and gender roles

Answer

Historical events

Answer

Religious controversies

Answer

Philosophical debates

Question 55

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of heroic drama, a popular genre of Restoration theatre?

Accepted Answer

Realistic characters

Answer

Dialogue written in verse

Answer

Grand themes and plots

Answer

Focus on heroic deeds and love

Question 56

What was a major impact of actresses being introduced to the English stage during the Restoration period?

Accepted Answer

It allowed for more realistic portrayals of female characters

Answer

It caused a major public backlash

Answer

It led to a decline in the quality of acting

Question 57

How did Restoration Theatre influence English drama?

Accepted Answer

It helped shape modern comedy and satire

Answer

It led to a decrease in theatre's popularity

Answer

It has been largely forgotten and has no relevance today