View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In terms of playing music, what is Algernon's forte?

2. How old is Jack?

3. With what Duchess does Lady Bracknell share a list of eligible English bachelors?

4. What does Cecily pay no attention to, according to Jack?

5. In what perpetual state is Algernon, according to Jack?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Name a few of Lady Bracknell's requirements for a suitable bachelor.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Importance of Being Earnest wittily subverts certain respected establishments in English Victorian society. Write three body paragraphs about how Oscar Wilde uses his play to lampoon the following institutions:

Part 1) The Family and the Household

Part 2) Creditors and solicitors

Part 3) The Church

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to write about:

1.) What do you think is Oscar Wilde's opinion of the English upper class? Do you consider his portraits of landed English gentry is loving or caustic? Cite examples from the text.

2.) Compare, in three paragraphs, three servant characters and three aristocrats in the play. Which are the more clever and worldly? How much do the upper class characters rely on the servants?

3.) Do you think there is greater personal freedom in being part of the servant class in the Victorian era or being in the Upper class. Cite examples from the text and historical background to justify your stance.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 851 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample