The Importance of Being Earnest
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Bunbury
Ernest
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The Importance of Being Earnest
by
Oscar Wilde
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Introduction
Intro
Plot Summary
Plot
Summary & Analysis
Act 1, Part 1
Act 1, Part 2
Act 2, Part 1
Act 2, Part 2
Act 3, Part 1
Act 3, Part 2
Themes
All Themes
The Art of Deception: Fact v. Fiction
The Pursuit of Marriage
Cash, Class, and Character
Name and Identity
Hypocrisy, Folly, and Victorian Morality
Men and Women in Love
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Jack
Symbols
All Symbols
Town and Country
Bunbury
Ernest
Tea Service
Food
The Dandy
Orphans and Wards
Christenings
Jack’s Mourning Clothes
Diaries
Cecily’s Love Letters
Miss Prism’s Three-volume-novel
Jack’s Handbag
Jack’s Cigarette Case
Jack’s Business Card
The Coatroom at Victoria Station and The Brighton Line
The Army List
Lit Devices
All Literary Devices
Allusions
Dramatic Irony
Foreshadowing
Genre
Irony
Metaphors
Mood
Paradox
Parody
Satire
Setting
Similes
Situational Irony
Style
Tone
Quizzes
All Quizzes
Act 1, Part 1 Quiz
Act 1, Part 2 Quiz
Act 2, Part 1 Quiz
Act 2, Part 2 Quiz
Act 3, Part 1 Quiz
Act 3, Part 2 Quiz
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Theme Viz
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The Importance of Being Earnest: Act 1, Part 2 Quiz
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What is one thing that Algernon's consumption of all the cucumber sandwiches reveals about his character?
1 of 9
His forgetfulness
His thoughtfulness
His frugality
His selfishness
What excuse does Algernon give for being unable to attend Lady Bracknell's dinner party?
2 of 9
He is not feeling well
Jack has already invited him to dinner
Cecily is visiting from the country
Bunbury is ill
What is Gwendolen's reason for preferring the name "Ernest" over the name "Jack"?
3 of 9
She believes the name "Ernest" inspires total confidence
She always wanted to marry someone named "Ernest"
She finds the name "Jack" less musical and thrilling
All of the above
How does Lady Bracknell react when she finds Jack proposing to Gwendolen?
4 of 9
She is happy for Gwendolen and gives the couple her blessing
She angrily asserts that she and her husband will arrange Gwendolen's engagement
She scolds Jack for not telling her in advance so that she could arrange an engagement celebration for Gwendolen
She is hurt that Gwendolen did not want her advice before making such a big decision
After hearing about Jack's background, why does Lady Bracknell disapprove of him as a suitor for her daughter?
5 of 9
Because he has an unacceptable lineage
Because he doesn’t own a townhouse in a fashionable area
Because he is not wealthy enough
Because he is too old for Gwendolen
What does Jack decide to do with his fictional brother “Ernest” after Lady Bracknell refuses his proposal to Gwendolen?
6 of 9
He decides to have "Ernest" marry someone else
He decides to have "Ernest" move to Paris
He decides to bring "Ernest" to meet Lady Bracknell
He decides to have "Ernest" die
Which of the following best describes what Algernon’s interest in Cecily, whom he has never met, suggests about the nature of love in the play?
7 of 9
It is usually based on wealth and social status
It is an essential component of a happy life
It often takes root in the imagination rather than real life
It is a result of careful planning and decision-makingI
What does Algernon do while Gwendolen is speaking privately with Jack?
8 of 9
He quietly asks his butler to follow Jack when he returns to the country
He eavesdrops and writes down Jack's country address on his shirt cuff
He interrupts their conversation to talk to Jack about his proposal
He secretly informs Lady Bracknell of the couple's conversation
What is ironic about Jack advising Algernon to be careful regarding "Bunbury"?
9 of 9
Jack himself is extremely thoughtless when it comes to taking care of his family
Jack is acting superior to Algernon despite also pretending to be someone he is not
Jack actually wants Algernon to get into trouble
Jack knows nothing about "Bunbury" yet is judging him anyway
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Campodonico, Christina. "The Importance of Being Earnest."
LitCharts.
LitCharts LLC, 14 Apr 2014. Web. 7 Jan 2025.
Campodonico, Christina. "The Importance of Being Earnest." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 14 Apr 2014. Web. 7 Jan 2025.
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