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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did prison affect Oscar Wilde's view of human nature?
(a) He lost his compassion for human suffering.
(b) He learned to appreciate acts of cruelty.
(c) He learned that violence is more powerful than wit.
(d) He saw people's limitations as prison-like.

2. How did Lord Alfred Douglas remain part of Oscar Wilde's life?
(a) He blackmailed Wilde.
(b) He promised to change and take care of Wilde better.
(c) He threatened and cajoled Wilde into staying in touch.
(d) He used extreme behavior to manipulate Wilde.

3. What brought about Oscar Wilde's first trial?
(a) Wilde was caught performing a homosexual sex act.
(b) Wilde was sued for his writing's obscenity.
(c) Wilde had sued his lover's father for libel.
(d) Wilde was sued for sodomy.

4. Who was Lord Alfred Douglas' father?
(a) Bishop Manning.
(b) The Duke of Gloucester.
(c) The Earl of Kent.
(d) The Marquis of Queensberry.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What play was Oscar Wilde writing in 1894?

2. Which of Oscar Wilde's friends tried to discount Wilde's importance?

3. What landmark essay did Oscar Wilde publish in 1890?

4. How did Robert Ross help Oscar Wilde?

5. What was the consequence of Oscar Wilde's first trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Oscar Wilde's allowance from his mother after he leaves prison?

2. How do Oscar Wilde's aesthetics develop during his time in Paris in 1891?

3. Why does Oscar Wilde refuse to flee from England to Paris?

4. What was the outcome of Oscar Wilde's lawsuit against his lover's father, Lord Queensberry?

5. How did the English see the crime of sodomy?

6. What relationships does Oscar Wilde resume after leaving prison?

7. Why was Oscar Wilde's play "Salome" censored?

8. Where does Oscar Wilde go after he is released from prison?

9. What happens to Oscar Wilde when he goes to prison?

10. Were Oscar Wilde and his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, faithful to each other?

(see the answer keys)

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