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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 item does Gwendolen take with her as she leaves?

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

3. What type of sandwich does Algernon take from Lane?

4. About how much money does "Ernest" owe the Savoy?

5. To whom does Jack let his town house much of the year?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is Lady Bracknell's opinion of Bunbury?

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

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

6. How is it that Jack does not know who his parents are?

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

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

9. How did Cecily become Jack's ward?

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

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

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 3

Write about Lady Bracknell as the driving force in the play. Cite three examples of moments where she is the sole arbiter of the another character's fate. How is the climax a result of her machinations?

(see the answer keys)

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