State the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the following:
• Marriage is an important social
construct.
• Manners are an important component of
social interaction.
• Individuals should have complete
freedom to select a romantic partner.
• Sincerity should be valued above social
cohesion.
Importance of Being Earnest
Reading Questions
Justify your answers by citing
evidence from the text and clearly
connecting evidence to
interpretation.
Act I
1. Find a funny or interesting piece of dialogue in this
act.
2. Note the relationship between Lane and Algernon.
3. By what name does Algernon call Jack? Why two
names?
4. How does Jack distinguish between his life in town
and that in the country?
5. Explain what “Bunburying” is.
6. Note the nature of Jack’s proposal and also of
Gwendolen’s reaction.
7. What does Lady Bracknell require of Jack if he
intends to marry Gwendolen? Why?
8. What can you say about Algernon’s worldview at
this point? What do you think his plans are?
Act II
1. Find a funny or interesting piece of dialogue in this
act.
2. What is ironic about Cecily’s and Miss Prism’s
characterization of Jack?
3. What is the significance of Cecily’s diary?
4. Why didn’t Miss Prism publish her novel?
5. What reputation does “Ernest” have in the country?
6. Note Miss Prism’s interaction with Reverend Chasuble.
7. What does Jack announce on his return?
8. What favor does Jack ask of the reverend?
9. Note Cecily’s interaction with Gwendolen. How does it
compare to that of Algernon and Jack?
Act III
1. Find a funny or interesting piece of dialogue in this
act.
2. Why do the women decide to forgive the men?
3. Why does Lady Bracknell’s opinion of Cecily
change?
4. Under what circumstances will Jack approve of
Cecily’s marriage to Algernon?
5. How does Lady Bracknell resolve all identity
conflicts once and for all?
6. What is Jack’s real name?
7. Interpret the meaning of the last line of the play.
Whole Play Questions
1. Why does Wilde title the play The Importance of Being
Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People?
2. Rank the characters in order from most to least earnest or
moral. What are the standards on which you have based
your rankings?
3. Compare and contrast Jack and Algernon, Gwendolen and
Cecily, Lady Bracknell and Ms. Prism. How does this parallel
structure relate to the themes of the play?
4. How does the play challenge conventional notions of gender
and public/private spheres?
5. Identify specific ironic moments from the play. What effect
do these instances of irony have on the reader?
6. In what ways are the play’s values about love and marriage
similar to or different from today’s values?
7. How does Wilde’s tone and style help reinforce his critical
perspective on social class in Victorian England?