Oscar Wilde Quiz: Do You Know 'The Importance of Being Earnest'?

1. What name does Gwendolen insist upon for her future husband in "The Importance of Being Earnest"?

John

Michael

Ernest

Richard

Gwendolen insists in "The Importance of Being Earnest" that her future husband must be named Ernest, equating the name with honesty and charm. This insistence on the name "Ernest" plays a central role in the plot of the play, as both Jack and Algernon claim to be named Ernest, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings.

Explanation

Gwendolen insists in "The Importance of Being Earnest" that her future husband must be named Ernest, equating the name with honesty and charm. This insistence on the name "Ernest" plays a central role in the plot of the play, as both Jack and Algernon claim to be named Ernest, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings.

2. What is the name of Algernon's imaginary friend in "The Importance of Being Earnest"?

John

Henry

Bunbury

Richard

Algernon's imaginary friend in "The Importance of Being Earnest" is named Bunbury, a fictional character used to escape social obligations.

Explanation

Algernon's imaginary friend in "The Importance of Being Earnest" is named Bunbury, a fictional character used to escape social obligations.

3. What is the pseudonym that Jack uses in "The Importance of Being Earnest" when he visits the city?

John

Michael

Samuel

Ernest

Jack uses the pseudonym Ernest in "The Importance of Being Earnest" while in the city. He pretends to have a younger, more irresponsible brother named Ernest, which allows him to escape his country life and take on a different persona in London.

Explanation

Jack uses the pseudonym Ernest in "The Importance of Being Earnest" while in the city. He pretends to have a younger, more irresponsible brother named Ernest, which allows him to escape his country life and take on a different persona in London.

4. Who is Gwendolen's mother in "The Importance of Being Earnest"?

Miss Prism

Cecily Cardew

Lady Bracknell

Rev. Canon Chasuble

Lady Bracknell is Gwendolen's mother in "The Importance of Being Earnest." She is a symbol of the Victorian upper class and is known for her strict adherence to social conventions and her obsession with finding a suitable husband for her daughter, Gwendolen.

Explanation

Lady Bracknell is Gwendolen's mother in "The Importance of Being Earnest." She is a symbol of the Victorian upper class and is known for her strict adherence to social conventions and her obsession with finding a suitable husband for her daughter, Gwendolen.

5. What food does Algernon excessively consume throughout "The Importance of Being Earnest"?

Chocolate cake

Cucumber sandwiches

Scones

Crumpets

Algernon obsessively consumes cucumber sandwiches throughout "The Importance of Being Earnest," a recurring motif representing his carefree lifestyle.

Explanation

Algernon obsessively consumes cucumber sandwiches throughout "The Importance of Being Earnest," a recurring motif representing his carefree lifestyle.

6. What is the primary setting of "The Importance of Being Earnest"?

Paris

London

New York

Rome

The primary setting of "The Importance of Being Earnest" is London, England, during the late Victorian era.

Explanation

The primary setting of "The Importance of Being Earnest" is London, England, during the late Victorian era.

7. Who serves as Cecily Cardew's tutor and guardian?

Lady Bracknell

Algernon Moncrieff

Miss Prism

Rev. Canon Chasuble

Miss Prism is Cecily's tutor and guardian in "The Importance of Being Earnest," and an employee of Cecily's uncle, Jack Worthing, responsible for her education and upbringing.

Explanation

Miss Prism is Cecily's tutor and guardian in "The Importance of Being Earnest," and an employee of Cecily's uncle, Jack Worthing, responsible for her education and upbringing.

8. What is Lady Bracknell's primary concern regarding Jack's background in the play?

His education

His parentage

His wealth

His fashion sense

Lady Bracknell's main concern in "The Importance of Being Earnest" is Jack's unclear parentage. When Jack proposes to Lady Bracknell's daughter, Gwendolen, she is particularly concerned about his family background and his parentage, as she wants to ensure that Gwendolen marries a suitable and socially acceptable candidate.

Explanation

Lady Bracknell's main concern in "The Importance of Being Earnest" is Jack's unclear parentage. When Jack proposes to Lady Bracknell's daughter, Gwendolen, she is particularly concerned about his family background and his parentage, as she wants to ensure that Gwendolen marries a suitable and socially acceptable candidate.

9. When was "The Importance of Being Earnest" first performed in public?

1889

1895

1901

1910

"The Importance of Being Earnest" was first performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London.

Explanation

"The Importance of Being Earnest" was first performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London.

10. What is the subtitle of "The Importance of Being Earnest"?

A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

Love and Deception

London's Whimsical Tales

The Comedy of Errors

The subtitle, "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People," reflects the satirical humor in "The Importance of Being Earnest." This subtitle reflects Wilde's satirical approach to the play, using humor and wit to comment on the trivial concerns and social conventions of the Victorian upper class.

Explanation

The subtitle, "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People," reflects the satirical humor in "The Importance of Being Earnest." This subtitle reflects Wilde's satirical approach to the play, using humor and wit to comment on the trivial concerns and social conventions of the Victorian upper class.