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. Which of the following is not an aspect of Algernon's character that Jack assails when he tells him to leave the manner

2. Where do Cecily and Gwendolen depart to when they leave the men?

3. What does Chasuble quote in Act III as proof of a religious revival?

4. Whom has Gwendolen already contacted about her betrothal to Ernest?

5. At the end of the act, why does Algernon not want to see Cecily in the garden?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Cecily always distracted from her lessons?

2. What reason does Cecily give for not wanting to show Algernon her diary?

3. How do Cecily and Gwendolen learn the truth about Ernest?

4. What argument does Jack make to Algernon about eating in times of despair, and why at the end of Act II?

5. How does Cecily get rid of Miss Prism at the the beginning of Act II?

6. Describe Chasuble.

7. What has Algernon arranged for later in the afternoon that jack has as well?

8. What order does Jack give to Algernon after the women go in to lunch?

9. What does Cecily do to anger Gwendolen as they take tea?

10. How does Algernon get rid of Miss Prism when he wants say goodbye to Cecily?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

1.) What aspects of a person are important to a courtship according to Cecily? How do these differ from those of Lady Bracknell?

2.) What is Algernon's stated stance on romance and marriage in Act I? Why do you think he decides to propose to Cecily in spite of this position? Cite statements made by Algernon later to justify your argument.

3.) Gwendolen's statement about always wanting to marry a man named Ernest is absurd, but her reasons for liking the name are indicative of a desire everyone has when getting married. What are her reasons for liking the name and how do they indicate a universal desire of humankind?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 876 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample