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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 Lady Bracknell, how with Gwendolyn know when she is engaged?

2. How often does does Algernon suggest one should check on one's relations?

3. To what composer does Algernon compare his Aunt's ring? Tchaikovsky

4. How many of the cucumber sandwiches does Algernon eat?

5. What item did Jack leave in Algernon's house the last time he called?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why do Algernon and Jack have such difficulty choosing a place to have dinner?

3. Describe Algernon Moncrieff.

4. What, according to Jack and Algernon, is the difference between mothers and fathers in modern society?

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

6. How did Cecily become Jack's ward?

7. Why doe Jack go by the name of Ernest in London?

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

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

10. What orders does Algernon give Lane at the end of the First Act?

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

In the Importance of Being Earnest, certain objects play more central roles in driving action than characters. Write an essay dealing with the following three objects - a paragraph each - and how they affect the outcome of the play:

Part 1.) Algernon's bills

Part 2.) Cecily's diary

Part 3.) The handbag

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay, focusing on Lady Bracknell's standards for a suitor. Cite three examples of her requirements, and defend her insistence on them. How do Lady Bracknell's concerns reflect the lack of options open to Victorian women.

(see the answer keys)

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