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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. Who is the other partner in Grigsby's soliciting firm?

2. Whom does Jack ask Chasuble to christen?

3. What attribute of Ernest does Cecily love?

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

5. What does Chasuble claim was the reference in his unintentionally romantic comment to Miss Prism?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reason does Miss Prism give for not wanting Ernest to be saved from his vices?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why is Cecily always distracted from her lessons?

9. When Algernon arrives under the guise Ernest, what does Cecily tell him about Jack's plans?

10. Describe Cecily and Miss Prisms opposing views on writing.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 713 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample