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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Oscar Wilde describe homosexuality in court?
(a) As a crime against nature.
(b) As the love that dare not speak its name.
(c) As the perfection of love.
(d) As the ideal art.

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

3. How did Oscar Wilde's first trial turn out?
(a) The trial bankrupted Wilde, but it made him famous.
(b) The trial caused Wilde to be expelled from the country.
(c) The trial resulted in a victory for Wilde and vindication of his personality.
(d) The trial allowed Wilde's lover's father to turn the tables and expose Wilde's homosexuality.

4. When was Oscar Wilde first released from prison?
(a) 1889.
(b) 1895.
(c) 1893.
(d) 1891.

5. Who is Lord Alfred Douglas?
(a) The father of Wilde's lover.
(b) Oscar Wilde's primary lover.
(c) Oscar Wilde's lawyer.
(d) Oscar Wilde's publisher.

6. Oscar Wilde said that men resemble which celestial body?
(a) Suns.
(b) Moons.
(c) Stars.
(d) Meteors.

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

8. How did Oscar Wilde describe Christ's life?
(a) As the greatest of poems.
(b) As an iconic sculpture.
(c) As a tragic drama.
(d) As a moving song.

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

10. How was Oscar Wilde's novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," received?
(a) It was almost banned for homosexuality.
(b) It was noticed by some literary critics, but it did not sell in large numbers.
(c) It was not noticed until late in Wilde's life.
(d) It was celebrated for its open homosexuality.

11. Why was "Salome" not performed?
(a) The theatre could not come up with money for a production.
(b) The play was banned for obscenity.
(c) Oscar Wilde had differences of opinion with his director.
(d) Bible stories were banned from the stage by British law.

12. Where did Oscar Wilde travel after he was released from Reading jail?
(a) France.
(b) Germany.
(c) Ireland.
(d) America.

13. What is the name of the play Oscar Wilde wrote upon leaving Reading Gaol?
(a) "A Woman of No Importance."
(b) "Constance."
(c) "The Ballad of Reading Gaol."
(d) "Vera."

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

15. How did Oscar Wilde escape from being prosecuted for homosexuality?
(a) His lover's parents refused to press charges when they realized that their son would have to be imprisoned as well.
(b) Oscar Wilde broke up with his lover before the authorities could gather any evidence against them.
(c) He bought his way out of the investigation by paying off influential barristers.
(d) He struck a deal with the lead prosecutor to abstain from homosexual acts.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Oscar Wilde arrested?

2. How common was homosexuality in late-Victorian London?

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

4. What were prison conditions like at Reading jail?

5. How did Robert Ross help Oscar Wilde?

(see the answer keys)

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