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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. What does Lord Goring say he gets rid of as soon as possible?

2. What reason does Lord Caversham give for never going anywhere?

3. Why does Mabel say she dislikes pearls?

4. When does Act 2 take place?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sir Robert do after Mrs. Cheveley brings up Baron Arnheim that shows he is uncomfortable with the whole conversation?

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

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

4. In Act 2, Part 2, what does Goring say to criticize Lady Chiltern?

5. Why doesn't Goring think women are meant to judge?

6. What strange request does Goring make of Mabel regarding the brooch Mabel finds?

7. What does Mrs. Cheveley initially do to try to convince Sir Robert to speak in favor of the Argentine Canal?

8. What is Goring frustrated about as Act 4 opens?

9. How does Lady Chiltern feel when she first learns that Sir Robert sold a cabinet secret?

10. What does Goring want from Sir Robert in return for his getting the letter to Baron Arnheim back?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The central conflict in this play is not between Mrs. Cheveley and Sir Robert or Goring. Identify the central conflict of the play and how Wilde illustrates it in the play. What is the conflict? At what point in the play does Wilde make the conflict clear? How is it brought out and how is it finally resolved?

Essay Topic 2

The climax of the play wraps up a number of misconceptions that occur during the course of the play. List and discuss at least three of the misconceptions, who is affected by them, and how they are resolved.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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