The Restoration Period: A Revival of Theatre in England

Question 1

Who was widely recognized as the leading playwright of the Restoration Period?

Accepted Answer

William Congreve

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

John Dryden

Answer

Aphra Behn

Question 2

How did the Restoration impact the role of women in theatre?

Accepted Answer

Women played a significant role as actresses and even playwrights.

Answer

Women were prohibited from performing on stage.

Answer

Women were only allowed to perform in male roles.

Answer

The Restoration had no effect on the participation of women in theatre.

Question 3

Which of the following plays is considered a seminal work of Restoration comedy?

Accepted Answer

The Country Wife

Answer

Hamlet

Answer

Paradise Lost

Answer

Macbeth

Question 4

Who was the architect responsible for designing the Theatre Royal, the first purpose-built theatre after the Restoration?

Accepted Answer

Christopher Wren

Answer

Inigo Jones

Answer

John Vanbrugh

Answer

Thomas Archer

Question 5

Who was a prominent playwright during the Restoration Period in English Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Answer

Ben Jonson

Question 6

Who holds the distinction of being the first woman to write a play performed on a professional stage in England?

Accepted Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

Jane Shore

Answer

Nell Gwynne

Answer

Elizabeth Barry

Question 7

After the Great Fire of London, which theatre was constructed?

Accepted Answer

The Drury Lane Theatre

Answer

The Globe Theatre

Answer

The Royal Theatre

Answer

The Old Vic

Question 8

In Aphra Behn's play 'The Rover', what is the central conflict?

Accepted Answer

A love triangle

Answer

A political conspiracy

Answer

A moral dilemma

Answer

A battle for succession

Question 9

Which monarch's reign marked the beginning of the Restoration Period in English theatre?

Accepted Answer

Charles II

Answer

Charles I

Answer

James I

Answer

James II

Question 10

Who is known as the 'Father of English Comedy' and wrote influential plays like 'The School for Scandal'?

Accepted Answer

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Answer

Aphra Behn

Question 11

Which play by William Congreve is renowned for its witty dialogue and reflection of Restoration society?

Accepted Answer

The Way of the World

Answer

Hamlet

Answer

Macbeth

Answer

Othello

Question 12

Which architectural feature became synonymous with Restoration theatres?

Accepted Answer

Proscenium arch

Answer

Thrust stage

Answer

Trapdoors

Answer

Hanging balconies

Question 13

Which Restoration playwright is noted for her feminist perspectives and exploration of female agency?

Accepted Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

Mary Pix

Answer

Susannah Centlivre

Answer

Catharine Trotter

Question 14

What element was NOT a characteristic of Restoration comedy?

Accepted Answer

Moral lessons

Answer

Witty dialogue

Answer

Social satire

Answer

Political commentary

Question 15

Prologues and epilogues were common features in Restoration drama. Can you explain the purpose of each?

Accepted Answer

Prologues introduce the play and its characters, while epilogues offer a moral lesson or reflection on the play's themes.

Answer

Prologues apologize for any offensive material, and epilogues express gratitude to the audience.

Answer

Prologues set the scene and establish the plot, while epilogues introduce new characters.

Answer

Prologues summarize the play, and epilogues offer a political commentary.

Question 16

Identify the individual who was NOT a prominent figure during the Restoration Period of English Theatre.

Accepted Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Answer

William Congreve

Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

George Farquhar

Question 17

What defining characteristic is associated with Restoration comedy?

Accepted Answer

Use of quick-witted dialogue and satirical elements

Answer

Focus on realistic scenarios and everyday life

Answer

Emphasis on historical events

Answer

Absence of explicit sexual references

Question 18

From William Congreve's repertoire, which play stands out as an exemplary work of Restoration comedy?

Accepted Answer

The Way of the World

Answer

Love for Love

Answer

The Mourning Bride

Answer

The Spanish Friar

Question 19

Explain the significant impact of the Restoration Period on English Theatre.

Accepted Answer

Introduced fresh forms of drama and advancements in stagecraft

Answer

Reverted to the closure of theatres enforced during the Puritan era

Answer

Led to the decline of professional actors and actresses

Answer

Had no enduring effects on the evolution of English Theatre

Question 20

Describe a distinguishing feature of the Restoration theatre audience.

Accepted Answer

Represented diverse social classes

Answer

Primarily composed of men

Answer

Highly judgmental of the plays they attended

Answer

Unenthusiastic about novel forms of theatre

Question 21

What element was a distinctive feature of Restoration comedy?

Accepted Answer

Pointed satire and clever dialogue

Answer

Elaborate costumes and lavish sets

Answer

Historical themes and tragic endings

Answer

Folkloric elements and supernatural characters

Question 22

How did the Restoration Period impact the evolution of English theatre?

Accepted Answer

It introduced new genres and styles of plays.

Answer

It led to a decline in the popularity of theatre.

Answer

It resulted in the closure of many theatres.

Answer

It had a negligible impact.

Question 23

Who was a famous Restoration actor known for their comedic performances?

Accepted Answer

Nell Gwynne

Answer

Thomas Betterton

Answer

David Garrick

Answer

Laurence Olivier

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT considered a defining characteristic of the Restoration Period in English Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Strong focus on realism

Answer

Emphasis on spectacle and entertainment

Answer

Decadent and libertine themes

Answer

Neoclassical influences

Question 25

Which monarch's reign marked the beginning of the Restoration Period in English Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Charles II

Answer

Charles I

Answer

James II

Answer

William III

Question 26

Who is widely regarded as the father of English comedy during the Restoration Period?

Accepted Answer

William Congreve

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

John Dryden

Answer

Aphra Behn

Question 27

Which theme was prevalent in Restoration comedies, satirizing social conventions and human folly?

Accepted Answer

Wit and satire

Answer

Love and romance

Answer

Political intrigue

Answer

Religious hypocrisy

Question 28

Which architectural innovation introduced during the Restoration Period significantly improved the audience's experience?

Accepted Answer

The proscenium arch

Answer

The revolving stage

Answer

The trapdoor

Answer

The fly system

Question 29

How did the Restoration Period impact English Theatre?

Accepted Answer

It introduced new genres and styles, revolutionizing the stage

Answer

It marked a return to traditional Elizabethan theatre

Answer

It saw a decline in the popularity of theatre

Answer

It had no significant impact on the development of theatre

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Restoration theatre?

Accepted Answer

Emphasized realism and everyday life

Answer

Spectacular visuals with elaborate costumes and scenery

Answer

Dialogue written in heroic couplets

Answer

Focus on comedy and satire

Question 31

Which of Congreve's plays is known for its witty and sophisticated dialogue?

Accepted Answer

The Way of the World

Answer

Love for Love

Answer

The Mourning Bride

Answer

The Double Dealer

Question 32

What was the significance of the 'heroic couplet' in Restoration theatre?

Accepted Answer

It elevated the language of the plays through poetic form

Answer

It provided greater flexibility in rhyming and meter

Answer

It created a sense of detachment between the audience and characters

Answer

It had no specific significance

Question 33

Who was the first woman to establish a professional theatre company in England during the Restoration Period?

Accepted Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

Nell Gwynne

Answer

Elizabeth Barry

Answer

Anne Bracegirdle

Question 34

Which of the following best describes a defining feature of Restoration comedy?

Accepted Answer

Its use of witty and satirical dialogue

Answer

Its emphasis on sentimental and romantic themes

Answer

Its focus on historical events and settings

Answer

Its portrayal of complex and psychologically deep characters

Question 35

Who is widely considered to be the leading playwright of the Restoration Period?

Accepted Answer

William Congreve

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Answer

John Dryden

Answer

William Shakespeare

Question 36

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

Accepted Answer

The Way of the World

Answer

She Stoops to Conquer

Answer

The Beaux' Stratagem

Answer

The Country Wife

Question 37

What was the significance of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in the development of Restoration theatre?

Accepted Answer

It was the first purpose-built theatre in England and hosted famous Restoration plays.

Answer

It introduced the proscenium arch to English theatre.

Answer

It popularized elaborate stage machinery and special effects.

Answer

It was the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company in later centuries.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Restoration comedy of manners?

Accepted Answer

Its sentimental and romantic plotlines

Answer

Its witty dialogue and use of satire

Answer

Its focus on social decorum and the etiquette of polite society

Answer

Its exploration of the complexities of human relationships

Question 39

How did the role of women change in Restoration theatre compared to previous eras?

Accepted Answer

Women were allowed to perform on stage, taking on a wider range of roles and gaining more influence.

Answer

Women remained largely excluded from the stage, with only a few exceptions.

Question 40

Who is recognized as the first woman to have a play performed during the Restoration Period?

Accepted Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

Delariviere Manley

Answer

Elizabeth Cary

Answer

Mary Pix

Question 41

Which playwright is widely considered the most significant figure of the Restoration period, known for works like 'The Country Wife' and 'The Plain Dealer'?

Accepted Answer

William Wycherley

Answer

John Dryden

Answer

George Etherege

Answer

Aphra Behn

Question 42

What was a significant change in theatrical practice during the Restoration period compared to the previous Elizabethan era?

Accepted Answer

The introduction of actresses on stage.

Answer

The use of elaborate sets and costumes.

Answer

The development of a professional acting company.

Answer

The emphasis on realistic dialogue and character development.

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a typical theme explored in Restoration comedies?

Accepted Answer

Tragic love and loss

Answer

The pursuit of pleasure and wit

Answer

The complexities of marriage and relationships

Answer

Social satire and critique

Question 44

Which Restoration playwright is renowned for her groundbreaking work as the first professional female playwright in English literature, known for 'The Rover' and 'The Forced Marriage'?

Accepted Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

Delarivier Manley

Answer

Catherine Trotter Cockburn

Answer

Mary Pix

Question 45

What was the significance of the reopening of the theatres in 1660 after a period of closure?

Accepted Answer

It marked the return of public entertainment and a cultural shift following the Puritan era.

Answer

It led to a decline in the popularity of other forms of entertainment.

Answer

It caused a major social upheaval.

Question 46

Which play by William Congreve satirizes the pretentiousness and hypocrisy of the upper classes, focusing on the characters Mirabell and Millamant?

Accepted Answer

The Way of the World

Answer

The Double Dealer

Answer

Love for Love

Answer

The Old Bachelor

Question 47

How did the Restoration period influence the development of English theatre?

Accepted Answer

It led to a renewed focus on comedy, wit, and social satire, paving the way for later dramatic movements.

Answer

It caused a decline in theatrical quality and innovation.

Question 48

What was a major characteristic of Restoration comedy that set it apart from previous dramatic styles?

Accepted Answer

Its focus on witty dialogue, clever repartee, and sexual intrigue.

Answer

Its adherence to strict classical rules and conventions.

Answer

Its emphasis on tragic themes and melodramatic plotlines.

Question 49

What was the primary purpose of the 'proscenium arch' that became a dominant feature of Restoration theatre?

Accepted Answer

To create a clear separation between the stage and the audience, enhancing the illusion of reality.

Answer

To improve the acoustics of the theatre.

Answer

To allow for more elaborate sets and special effects.

Question 50

Who is considered the father of English comedy and wrote the influential play 'She Would If She Could'?

Accepted Answer

George Etherege

Answer

William Congreve

Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

John Dryden

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Restoration theatre?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on classical forms

Answer

Spectacular stagecraft

Answer

Satirical comedies

Answer

Female performers

Question 52

Who introduced the use of heroic couplets in Restoration tragedy?

Accepted Answer

John Dryden

Answer

Thomas Otway

Answer

Aphra Behn

Answer

Nathaniel Lee

Question 53

What was the significance of the 'Theatre Royal' established by Thomas Killigrew and Sir William Davenant?

Accepted Answer

It marked the return of professional theatre after the Puritan ban

Answer

It premiered the first all-female cast performance

Answer

It became the exclusive venue for royal performances

Question 54

How did Restoration audiences typically react to the satirical content of comedies?

Accepted Answer

They embraced it as a form of social commentary

Answer

They ignored it in favor of the more scandalous aspects of the plays

Answer

They found it offensive and demanded censorship

Question 55

What event marked the end of the Restoration Period in English theatre?

Accepted Answer

The Glorious Revolution of 1688

Answer

The Restoration of Charles II

Answer

The Great Fire of London

Answer

The death of William Shakespeare