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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 Algernon claim he left London before Monday?

2. Why did Cecily and Ernest break off their first engagement?

3. When the Cecily and Gwendolen both discover that each is engaged to Ernest, what do they compare?

4. According to Grigsby, who generally pays outstanding debts for the debtor?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Algernon end up paying for Jack's debt in Act II?

4. What changes in Ernest's behavior does Algernon announce when he arrives at Jack's country house?

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

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

7. What is Cecily's response to Algernon's proposal to her?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Do you believe that Lady Bracknell's constant fretting about Gwendolen's inauspicious betrothal, the state of over-education, and comment on train platforms (to name a few examples) indicates an implicit fear of devaluation of high society in England? Write an essay with your position, using statements about the role of the upper class to support your claim.

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)

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