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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. Which of these is not a description of the handbag in which Jack was found?

2. What mythical creature does Jack compare Lady Bracknell to?

3. Who are the most interesting people, according to Algernon?

4. What adjective does Lady Bracknell use to describe Algernon's association with the invalid "Bunbury"?

5. Where does Algernon suggest dining instead of the Savoy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Lady Bracknell's response to the story of Jack's adoption?

2. What is Jack Worthing's business in London?

3. How is it that Jack does not know who his parents are?

4. What clandestine declaration does Gwendolen make to Jack before she leaves?

5. Describe Algernon and Jack's conversation concerning Cecily and Gwendolen.

6. Why does Algernon discreetly write down Jack's country address on his cuff?

7. How does Jack Worthing's cigarette case betray his identity to Algernon?

8. Why does Jack intend to "kill" Ernest?

9. What does Gwendolen love so much about the name Ernest?

10. What is Algernon's stated opinion of love and marriage in Act I?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several of the characters in The Importance of Being Ernest rely upon fiction to live their lives as they would like:

Part 1.) Describe Algernon's relationship with Bunbury. How does he use his "friend" to avoid unpleasant situations?

Part 2.) Compare Jack's relationship with Ernest to Algernon's with Bunbury? How are his motivations for having a fake associate different? Are his methods more complex?

Part 3.) Compare both Jack and Algernon's fictional associates with Cecily's fantasy life from her diary. How are her motivations and methods different from the men's?

Essay Topic 2

What is Oscar Wilde saying in the play about the power of wit and ingenuity? Does Wilde view this a central skill in overcoming social position. Use Jack Worthing a model in defense of your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following three options to write about:

1.) To what extent has Cecily always been at the beck and call of authority figures fro Thomas Cardew to Miss Prism. Write three paragraphs about her subjugation to three separate masters and how her diary undermines this control.

2.) Do you think that Gwendolen is an inherently rebellious character or a generally subservient character that acts against her nature in the story? Cite examples from the text to defend your answer.

3.) What is Miss Prism's motivation in the play? What is she running from and why has she decided that she will not marry?

(see the answer keys)

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