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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. Why does Mr. Thomas Cardew give baby Jack the surname Worthing?

2. Where in Victoria Station was the handbag with Jack in it discovered?

3. What relation is not popular at the present time?

4. What does Lady Bracknell describe as a "delicate exotic fruit?"

5. What mythical creature does Jack compare Lady Bracknell to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Bunbury?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose one of the following three options to write about:

1.) To what extent has Cecily always been at the beck and call of authority figures fro Thomas Cardew to Miss Prism. Write three paragraphs about her subjugation to three separate masters and how her diary undermines this control.

2.) Do you think that Gwendolen is an inherently rebellious character or a generally subservient character that acts against her nature in the story? Cite examples from the text to defend your answer.

3.) What is Miss Prism's motivation in the play? What is she running from and why has she decided that she will not marry?

Essay Topic 2

Like many English comedic plays, the Importance of Being Ernest ends with three marriages:

Part 1.) How are Jack's and Algernon's betrothal inextricable linked, both as impediments to each other and later as facilitators?

Part 2.) What obstacles do Miss Prism and Chasuble face in their courtship? What would have happened had they not wed?

Part 3.) Which of the three engagements suffered most before becoming secure? Which marriage do you think will be strongest? Cite examples from the text to justify your position.

Essay Topic 3

The characters of The Importance of Being Earnest live in a society largely unchanged in a dynamic century. As such, they often make disparaging remarks about revolutions going on around them. Write an essay about their attitude toward change, using the text as a guide and dedicating a paragraph to each of the following:

1.) Socialism

2.) The French Revolution

3.) Women's Rights

(see the answer keys)

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