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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. Where does Cecily tell Algernon he is being sent?

2. Why does Algernon suggest Jack not get christened?

3. Whom has Gwendolen already contacted about her betrothal to Ernest?

4. Why does Algernon claim he left London before Monday?

5. How does Algernon describe the day?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Algernon arrives under the guise Ernest, what does Cecily tell him about Jack's plans?

2. What does Cecily do to anger Gwendolen as they take tea?

3. Describe Chasuble.

4. Why is Cecily always distracted from her lessons?

5. What reason does Miss Prism give for not wanting Ernest to be saved from his vices?

6. How does Algernon get rid of Miss Prism when he wants say goodbye to Cecily?

7. What has Algernon arranged for later in the afternoon that jack has as well?

8. What changes in Ernest's behavior does Algernon announce when he arrives at Jack's country house?

9. What reason does Cecily give for not wanting to show Algernon her diary?

10. Why does Gwendolen state that she wishes Cecily were older?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Oscar Wilde saying in the play about the power of wit and ingenuity? Does Wilde view this a central skill in overcoming social position. Use Jack Worthing a model in defense of your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following options to write about:

1.) What does Algernon's habit of always eating say about him as a character? Write about three examples in the play where Algernon is forced to explain his appetite and how he does so.

2.) Cecily and Miss Prism's argument about her diary and the three-volume novel say much about both? What secrets does this conversation allude to, and how does it frame each's attitude toward literature and love?

3.) Chasuble is constantly quoting - and misquoting - religious sources and tenets. How does his level of comfort with his chosen profession help or hinder his decision regarding Miss Prism at the end of the play?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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