The Importance of Being Earnest ACT
1 STUDY GUIDE Exam questions
How does Algernon's statement that he does not play the
piano "accurately" but "with wonderful expression"
exemplify the principles of the Aesthetic Movement? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅The Aesthetic Movement
championed "art for art's sake." Aesthetes were
interested in enjoying art for pure pleasure without
paying attention to the conventional laws of
composition. Algernon plays the piano in order to express
and experience the powerful expression of the music.
What does Wilde suggest is going to be one of the
primary sources of humor when Algernon asks Lane about
the champagne? - CORRECT ANSWERS ✅The frank
but unaccusing attitude with which Algernon insinuates
that Lane has been drinking his champagne, and the
frank, unrepentant manner in which Lane responds
suggest that, in this comedy, although the characters will
maintain a façade of genteel civility, they will speak
bluntly and honestly to one another.
Where is the humor in Algernon's comments on the lack
of "moral responsibility" among the lower classes? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅Theoretically, one would
expect the well-mannered and educated upper classes to
set the moral example for the coarser lower classes. In
his comments, however, Algernon completely reverses
, The Importance of Being Earnest ACT
1 STUDY GUIDE Exam questions
this concept, essentially justifying upper-class
irresponsibility and self-indulgence.
What does Algernon's comment on marriage as a
"business" reveal about his attitude toward married life? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅Algernon believes that people
get married for monetary or social reasons. Very rarely is
love of any consideration at all. Algernon further believes
that married life puts an end to all pleasure: men have to
stop engaging in their former pastimes, at the same time,
being forced to spend time with a woman they likely
cannot stand.
Why does Jack praise the bread and butter Algernon
offers him? What does his praise reveal about Jack? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅Jack praises the bread and
butter as soon as he hears that the food has been
specially ordered for Gwendolen. Jack adores Gwendolen
and is determined to like everything she likes. He seems
truly infatuated with Gwendolen.
According to Algernon, why is it unlikely that Jack will
ever be married to Gwendolen? - CORRECT ANSWERS
✅Algernon does not believe that love and marriage have
anything to do with one another. Also, Algernon has
1 STUDY GUIDE Exam questions
How does Algernon's statement that he does not play the
piano "accurately" but "with wonderful expression"
exemplify the principles of the Aesthetic Movement? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅The Aesthetic Movement
championed "art for art's sake." Aesthetes were
interested in enjoying art for pure pleasure without
paying attention to the conventional laws of
composition. Algernon plays the piano in order to express
and experience the powerful expression of the music.
What does Wilde suggest is going to be one of the
primary sources of humor when Algernon asks Lane about
the champagne? - CORRECT ANSWERS ✅The frank
but unaccusing attitude with which Algernon insinuates
that Lane has been drinking his champagne, and the
frank, unrepentant manner in which Lane responds
suggest that, in this comedy, although the characters will
maintain a façade of genteel civility, they will speak
bluntly and honestly to one another.
Where is the humor in Algernon's comments on the lack
of "moral responsibility" among the lower classes? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅Theoretically, one would
expect the well-mannered and educated upper classes to
set the moral example for the coarser lower classes. In
his comments, however, Algernon completely reverses
, The Importance of Being Earnest ACT
1 STUDY GUIDE Exam questions
this concept, essentially justifying upper-class
irresponsibility and self-indulgence.
What does Algernon's comment on marriage as a
"business" reveal about his attitude toward married life? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅Algernon believes that people
get married for monetary or social reasons. Very rarely is
love of any consideration at all. Algernon further believes
that married life puts an end to all pleasure: men have to
stop engaging in their former pastimes, at the same time,
being forced to spend time with a woman they likely
cannot stand.
Why does Jack praise the bread and butter Algernon
offers him? What does his praise reveal about Jack? -
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅Jack praises the bread and
butter as soon as he hears that the food has been
specially ordered for Gwendolen. Jack adores Gwendolen
and is determined to like everything she likes. He seems
truly infatuated with Gwendolen.
According to Algernon, why is it unlikely that Jack will
ever be married to Gwendolen? - CORRECT ANSWERS
✅Algernon does not believe that love and marriage have
anything to do with one another. Also, Algernon has
