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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How was Oscar Wilde's novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," received?
(a) It was noticed by some literary critics, but it did not sell in large numbers.
(b) It was celebrated for its open homosexuality.
(c) It was almost banned for homosexuality.
(d) It was not noticed until late in Wilde's life.

2. When did Oscar Wilde publish "Salome"?
(a) 1894.
(b) 1892.
(c) 1893.
(d) 1895.

3. Why was "Salome" not performed?
(a) Oscar Wilde had differences of opinion with his director.
(b) The play was banned for obscenity.
(c) The theatre could not come up with money for a production.
(d) Bible stories were banned from the stage by British law.

4. Who is Lord Alfred Douglas?
(a) The father of Wilde's lover.
(b) Oscar Wilde's lawyer.
(c) Oscar Wilde's publisher.
(d) Oscar Wilde's primary lover.

5. What was the cause of Oscar Wilde's death?
(a) Heart troubles from hard labor in prison.
(b) Old age.
(c) Infections from syphilis.
(d) A fight over his honor.

6. Who was Lord Alfred Douglas' father?
(a) The Duke of Gloucester.
(b) The Earl of Kent.
(c) The Marquis of Queensberry.
(d) Bishop Manning.

7. How did Oscar Wilde alienate people?
(a) By congratulating himself in public.
(b) By insulting his friends.
(c) By asking for financial support.
(d) By his vulgar language.

8. How did prison affect Oscar Wilde's health?
(a) Wilde was pampered by prison guards.
(b) Wilde lost weight and got in shape.
(c) Wilde's health deteriorated rapidly.
(d) Wilde nearly died when his illness was not treated.

9. What is Oscar Wilde's relationship with Major Nelson?
(a) Nelson was Wilde's lover.
(b) Nelson was the judge who sentenced Wilde to prison.
(c) Nelson was a warden who came to like Wilde.
(d) Nelson was the first publisher to print Wilde's plays.

10. What is the name of the play Oscar Wilde wrote upon leaving Reading Gaol?
(a) "The Ballad of Reading Gaol."
(b) "A Woman of No Importance."
(c) "Constance."
(d) "Vera."

11. What was Oscar Wilde's daily routine in prison?
(a) Hard work with meager rations.
(b) Long talks with fellow prisoners.
(c) Solitary confinement and starvation rations.
(d) Long days writing.

12. How secretive was Oscar Wilde about his homosexuality after his children were born?
(a) He was a hypocrite, denouncing homosexuality in public, but practicing it in private.
(b) Highly secretive.
(c) Secretive in public, but open with friends.
(d) Not secretive at all.

13. How did Oscar Wilde protect himself from the cruelty of those around him?
(a) He satirized them in his work.
(b) Wit and irony.
(c) Violent public attacks.
(d) He took solace in his faith.

14. What did Oscar Wilde consider doing before his first trial?
(a) Filing additional charges.
(b) Fleeing to Paris.
(c) Renouncing homosexuality.
(d) Withdrawing the charges.

15. Oscar Wilde said that men resemble which celestial body?
(a) Suns.
(b) Meteors.
(c) Stars.
(d) Moons.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where did Oscar Wilde take a rest cure?

2. To whom did the Marquis of Queensberry leave a large inheritance?

3. What actions led to prosecution of homosexuals in England?

4. Where does Oscar Wilde go after his first trial?

5. How did Oscar Wilde come across at his first trial?

(see the answer keys)

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