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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What brought about Oscar Wilde's first trial?
(a) Wilde was sued for his writing's obscenity.
(b) Wilde had sued his lover's father for libel.
(c) Wilde was caught performing a homosexual sex act.
(d) Wilde was sued for sodomy.

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

3. 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.

4. What was the consequence of Oscar Wilde's first trial?
(a) Supporters rushed to protect Wilde.
(b) People rejoiced at Wilde's fall.
(c) The court supported Wilde.
(d) Wilde's lover's father publicly apologized.

5. How did Lord Alfred Douglas remain part of Oscar Wilde's life?
(a) He used extreme behavior to manipulate Wilde.
(b) He blackmailed Wilde.
(c) He threatened and cajoled Wilde into staying in touch.
(d) He promised to change and take care of Wilde better.

6. What landmark essay did Oscar Wilde publish in 1890?
(a) "The House Beautiful."
(b) "The Importance of Being Earnest."
(c) "Personal Impressions of America."
(d) "The Critic as Artist."

7. What did the public think of "Lady Windermere's Fan"?
(a) They did not understand it.
(b) They hated it.
(c) They stopped seeing it after a few weeks.
(d) They loved it.

8. What was Oscar Wilde's state of mind in the months after his release from Reading jail?
(a) He was gleeful in his ability to exact revenge.
(b) He was suicidal because of people's poisonous gossip.
(c) He was humbled and grateful to be free.
(d) He was bored in his uninteresting surroundings.

9. Where did Oscar Wilde go for homosexual sex?
(a) The parks in London.
(b) Hotels.
(c) His home.
(d) The quays.

10. What is the name of the town where Oscar Wilde stayed after leaving Reading jail?
(a) Nancy.
(b) Bernaval.
(c) Chamonix.
(d) Dieppe.

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

12. What was the punishment for homosexuality in England in the late 1800s?
(a) Imprisonment.
(b) Fines.
(c) Flogging.
(d) Hanging.

13. In which prison was Oscar Wilde first imprisoned?
(a) Holloway.
(b) Wandsworth.
(c) Reading.
(d) Pentonville.

14. What did Oscar Wilde write about his personal experience in prison?
(a) He describes his longing for his wife.
(b) Nothing.
(c) "The Ballad of Reading Gaol."
(d) Long, detailed letters to his lover.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Oscar Wilde said that men resemble which celestial body?

2. How was "A Woman of No Importance" received?

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

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

5. How did Oscar Wilde describe homosexuality in court?

(see the answer keys)

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