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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 Cecily pay no attention to, according to Jack?

2. What does Jack offer to present to Lady Bracknell in lieu of his parentage?

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

4. Which of these is not a suggestion that Algernon makes as to what they should do after dinner?

5. In what town does the First Act take place?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How did Cecily become Jack's ward?

4. Describe Algernon Moncrieff.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Is Chasuble a religious hypocrite or merely a bumbling blowhard? Make a case for one or the other in essay form, citing statement made and actions taken be Chasuble to corroborate your position.

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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