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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. According to Algernon, what is the essence of romance?

2. What most attracts Gwendolyn to "Ernest"?

3. What does Jack offer to present to Lady Bracknell in lieu of his parentage?

4. What item did Jack leave in Algernon's house the last time he called?

5. According to Lady Bracknell, how with Gwendolyn know when she is engaged?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Algernon discreetly write down Jack's country address on his cuff?

2. What, according to Jack and Algernon, is the difference between mothers and fathers in modern society?

3. Why do Algernon and Jack have such difficulty choosing a place to have dinner?

4. What is Algernon's stated opinion of love and marriage in Act I?

5. Why does Jack intend to "kill" Ernest?

6. What does Gwendolen love so much about the name Ernest?

7. What is Lady Bracknell's opinion of Bunbury?

8. Why are there no cucumber sandwiches at the Algernon's when Lady Bracknell arrives?

9. What clandestine declaration does Gwendolen make to Jack before she leaves?

10. What is Lady Bracknell's response to the story of Jack's adoption?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Like many English comedic plays, the Importance of Being Ernest ends with three marriages:

Part 1.) How are Jack's and Algernon's betrothal inextricable linked, both as impediments to each other and later as facilitators?

Part 2.) What obstacles do Miss Prism and Chasuble face in their courtship? What would have happened had they not wed?

Part 3.) Which of the three engagements suffered most before becoming secure? Which marriage do you think will be strongest? Cite examples from the text to justify your position.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

1.) What aspects of a person are important to a courtship according to Cecily? How do these differ from those of Lady Bracknell?

2.) What is Algernon's stated stance on romance and marriage in Act I? Why do you think he decides to propose to Cecily in spite of this position? Cite statements made by Algernon later to justify your argument.

3.) Gwendolen's statement about always wanting to marry a man named Ernest is absurd, but her reasons for liking the name are indicative of a desire everyone has when getting married. What are her reasons for liking the name and how do they indicate a universal desire of humankind?

Essay Topic 3

The characters of The Importance of Being Earnest live in a society largely unchanged in a dynamic century. As such, they often make disparaging remarks about revolutions going on around them. Write an essay about their attitude toward change, using the text as a guide and dedicating a paragraph to each of the following:

1.) Socialism

2.) The French Revolution

3.) Women's Rights

(see the answer keys)

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