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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 Jack describe Algernon's eating in times of distress?

2. Why does Algernon claim he left London before Monday?

3. Whom does Jack ask Chasuble to christen?

4. Next to whose room does Merriman place Algernon's luggage?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What favor does Jack request of Chasuble?

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

5. How does Cecily get rid of Miss Prism at the the beginning of Act II?

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

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

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

9. Why is Cecily always distracted from her lessons?

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

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 2

Write about Lady Bracknell as the driving force in the play. Cite three examples of moments where she is the sole arbiter of the another character's fate. How is the climax a result of her machinations?

Essay Topic 3

The play begins in London and take place largely in a manor house in Woolton. The conflict between town and country is a central component of Oscar WIlde's play:

Part 1.) Where do Jack and Algernon, separately, prefer to relax? How does their preference result int he creation of elaborate deceptions?

Part 2.) How do Cecily and Gwendolen's view of the city and country differ from Jack's and Algernon's? Are their opinions more or less ambiguous?

Part 3.) Write an overview of the relative merits and drawbacks of town and country according to the characters of the play. Be sure to cite which character said these things.

(see the answer keys)

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