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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 political affiliation does Jack claim?

2. On what topic does Gwendolyn ask Jack to refrain from speaking?

3. When does Jack take the name of Ernest?

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

5. What does Jack plan to do in the near future?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is Bunbury?

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

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

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

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

7. Why are there no cucumber sandwiches at the Algernon's when Lady Bracknell arrives?

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

9. How did Cecily become Jack's ward?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Now does Jack's last line about "the vital importance of being earnest" reflect a possible lesson he has learned. Use Jack's character arc over the course of the play and the reason for his final salvation as evidence to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay with the thesis that Jack Worthing's decision to hire Miss Prism before the play begins is the reason why the play ends happily. Use the three marriage's as a framing device for your argument.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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