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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. Whom does Jack ask Chasuble to christen?

2. Why was Miss Prism's novel never published?

3. Why will Cecily not allow Algernon to read her diary?

4. Where does Cecily get her ideas for her diary?

5. With what does Grigsby present Algernon?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Cecily always distracted from her lessons?

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

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

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

6. Why does Gwendolen state that she wishes Cecily were older?

7. Describe Chasuble.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Chasuble a religious hypocrite or merely a bumbling blowhard? Make a case for one or the other in essay form, citing statement made and actions taken be Chasuble to corroborate your position.

Essay Topic 2

Several of the characters in The Importance of Being Ernest rely upon fiction to live their lives as they would like:

Part 1.) Describe Algernon's relationship with Bunbury. How does he use his "friend" to avoid unpleasant situations?

Part 2.) Compare Jack's relationship with Ernest to Algernon's with Bunbury? How are his motivations for having a fake associate different? Are his methods more complex?

Part 3.) Compare both Jack and Algernon's fictional associates with Cecily's fantasy life from her diary. How are her motivations and methods different from the men's?

Essay Topic 3

Jack Worthing begins the play admitting to a series of untruths, among them his name and his relationship with Cecily. Do you think that Jack's habit of deceiving those close to him is forgivable since no one is harmed? Do you think that Gwendolen is genuinely hurt by the revelation Jack has lied to her? What about his assertion that Ernest has died?

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This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample