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

2. What does Algernon claim to be when he meets Cecily?

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

4. How many counties can one see from the hills of around the manor?

5. Why does Algernon suggest Jack not get christened?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What news does Jack bring with him when he returns home from London.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Choose one of the following to write about:

1.) What do you think is Oscar Wilde's opinion of the English upper class? Do you consider his portraits of landed English gentry is loving or caustic? Cite examples from the text.

2.) Compare, in three paragraphs, three servant characters and three aristocrats in the play. Which are the more clever and worldly? How much do the upper class characters rely on the servants?

3.) Do you think there is greater personal freedom in being part of the servant class in the Victorian era or being in the Upper class. Cite examples from the text and historical background to justify your stance.

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This section contains 768 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample