The Importance of Being Earnest

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Act 1

Reading Check

1. Where and when is the first act of the play set?

2. Who is Jack’s love interest?

3. How is Algernon related to Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen?

4. Is Algernon married?

5. What is “Bunburying?”

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Lady Bracknell object to the union of Jack and Gwendolen? What does her objection reveal about her character and/or values?

2. Why does Jack use his own name in the country and the name Ernest in town?

3. Does Algernon think Jack should marry Gwendolen? Why or why not?

4. Why does Gwendolen claim she loves Jack?

5. What is unusual about Jack’s background and origins?

Paired Resource

“The Rise and Fall of Class in Britain”

• This book by David Cannadine discusses the history of the class system in the United Kingdom; the introduction can be read online.
• The content of this resource connects to the theme of The British Aristocracy and Class Anxiety.
• How has class and class consciousness in the United Kingdom changed over time?