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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 will Cecily not allow Algernon to read her diary?

2. Why is Miss Prism concerned by Chasuble's being in the vestry?

3. What lunch has Jack traditionally been enjoying of late?

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

5. For how long does Cecily say she and Ernest have been engaged?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What favor does Jack request of Chasuble?

3. Why is Cecily always distracted from her lessons?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the Importance of Being Earnest, certain objects play more central roles in driving action than characters. Write an essay dealing with the following three objects - a paragraph each - and how they affect the outcome of the play:

Part 1.) Algernon's bills

Part 2.) Cecily's diary

Part 3.) The handbag

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?

(see the answer keys)

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