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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. According to Goring, what can't women discover?

2. In Act 1, Part 2, what does Mrs. Cheveley say everyone has?

3. How long does Lady Chiltern say it's been since she and Vicomte De Nanjac last saw each other?

4. What does Lady Chiltern demand that Sir Robert do immediately, in Act 1, Part 3?

5. Fill in the blank. Lady Chiltern says, "We women worship when we love; and when we lose our worship, we lose ________."

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Goring's reaction to Mabel's revelation in Act 1, Part 1, that she does not like Mrs. Cheveley?

2. What about Sir Robert does Lady Chiltern say makes him different from other men?

3. Why does Sir Robert think someone has been listening in on his conversation with Goring while he's at Goring's house?

4. How does Sir Robert initially react to the Prime Minister's offer of a seat in the cabinet?

5. Before sitting down to dinner, why does Mabel say that Goring has been "horrid" and what is his response?

6. What condition does Mrs. Cheveley set for her giving Sir Robert's letter to Goring?

7. Why does Mrs. Cheveley accuse Goring of being "absurdly English"?

8. According to Sir Robert, why is the Suez Canal different from the Argentine Canal?

9. Why does Sir Robert become angry with Goring in Act 3, Part 1?

10. Why does Goring tell Lady Chiltern that no one is incapable of foolish actions in Act 2, Part 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mrs. Cheveley is clearly the antagonist of this play; however, the protagonist of the play isn't quite as clear since there are really three characters who undergo significant transformation through the course of the play. Identify who these three characters are and discuss the transformation each of them goes through. Provide evidence from the play to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think Wilde chose the title An Ideal Husband for this play? To whom does the title refer? Does it refer to a character or to a system of beliefs, or perhaps both?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of subplot in An Ideal Husband. What is the subplot and what purpose does it serve? How does it contrast and/or imitate the main plot? Provide evidence from the play to support your answer.

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