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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. How does Cecily have letters from Ernest?

2. How does Algernon explain the money he owes for various dinners in London to Cecily?

3. Why does Gwendolyn decline sugar in her tea?

4. What adjective does Cecily use to describe the name Algernon?

5. Which of these is not an occasion when Chasuble has preach his sermon on manna?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. After the two women storm off, what is Algernon's attitude?

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

5. What favor does Jack request of Chasuble?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Now does Jack's last line about "the vital importance of being earnest" reflect a possible lesson he has learned. Use Jack's character arc over the course of the play and the reason for his final salvation as evidence to support your argument.

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