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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 well did Goring know Mrs. Cheveley in the past?

2. How does Sir Robert reply to Lady Chiltern in Act 1, Part 3 when she asks about his change of view on the report from the Commission regarding the Argentine Canal scheme?

3. At the dinner party in Act 1, Part 1, what does Lady Basildon think of the man who talks about his wife during dinner?

4. To what flower does the author compare Mrs. Cheveley?

5. Who does Mrs. Cheveley tell Sir Robert advised her to invest in the Argentine Canal Company?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Mrs. Marchmont pleased when Goring tells her she is morbid?

2. What does Mrs. Cheveley tell Sir Robert is the difference between scandals in the old days and scandals in the present?

3. What does Goring tell Lady Chiltern will happen if she allows Sir Robert to sacrifice his career?

4. What reason does Lady Markby give for the people in the park not looking so fresh?

5. In Act 1, Part 3, what is the one thing that Lady Chiltern implies would cause her to leave her husband?

6. When Goring comments that Mrs. Cheveley is just as willful as she used to be, why does Mrs. Cheveley say she has actually improved?

7. Why does Sir Robert become angry with Goring in Act 3, Part 1?

8. How does Goring feel about Sir Robert's selling the cabinet secret to gain his success?

9. How does Goring know that the brooch can also be worn as a bracelet?

10. What characteristic does Goring say Sir Robert's denunciation of the Argentine Canal scheme show?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wilde uses two dimensional characters for a specific purpose in this play. What is that purpose? Who are the two dimensional characters? How do they support your idea of the purpose of two dimensional characters?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of subplot in An Ideal Husband. What is the subplot and what purpose does it serve? How does it contrast and/or imitate the main plot? Provide evidence from the play to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Goring's and Sir Robert's discussion in Act 2, Part 1, regarding Sir Robert's indiscretion as he started his career offers some insight into Wilde's opinions about power and the pursuit of success. What point do you think Wilde is trying to make concerning power and success in this play? Use examples to support your answer.

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