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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. Who is growing too attached to Ernest, in Jack's opinion?

2. What is the only thing that allows Algernon to put up with his relatives?

3. How many of the cucumber sandwiches does Algernon eat?

4. How does Algernon describe Lane at the end of the First Act?

5. In Act I, what relation does Jack claim to Cecily?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why doe Jack go by the name of Ernest in London?

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

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

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

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

7. Name a few of Lady Bracknell's requirements for a suitable bachelor.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The play begins in London and take place largely in a manor house in Woolton. The conflict between town and country is a central component of Oscar WIlde's play:

Part 1.) Where do Jack and Algernon, separately, prefer to relax? How does their preference result int he creation of elaborate deceptions?

Part 2.) How do Cecily and Gwendolen's view of the city and country differ from Jack's and Algernon's? Are their opinions more or less ambiguous?

Part 3.) Write an overview of the relative merits and drawbacks of town and country according to the characters of the play. Be sure to cite which character said these things.

Essay Topic 2

In the Importance of Being Earnest, certain objects play more central roles in driving action than characters. Write an essay dealing with the following three objects - a paragraph each - and how they affect the outcome of the play:

Part 1.) Algernon's bills

Part 2.) Cecily's diary

Part 3.) The handbag

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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