The importance of being Earnest

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

The Importance of Being Earnest

Questions Act I & II

V52

Oscar Wilde

lived: 1854-1900

wrote plays, poems essays and 1 novel

was a scholar, a journalist and a lecturer on an America tour

was married had two children

died in France after having served a two year prison sentence for gross indecency

Victorian period 1832–1901

This period is named for the reign of Queen Victoria, who ascended to the throne in 1837, and it lasts until her death in 1901. It was a time of great social, religious, intellectual, and economic issues, heralded by the passage of the Reform Bill, which expanded voting rights. The period has often been divided into “Early” (1832–1848), “Mid” (1848–1870) and “Late” (1870–1901) periods or into two phases, that of the Pre-Raphaelites (1848–1860) and that of Aestheticism and Decadence (1880–1901).

Act 1Act 1

Characters: Algernon, Lane, Jack, Lady Bracknell, Gwendolin

Now read the first act of the play in a group of three persons, each taking a role. 10 minutes.

Algernon

Jack

What does the word 'earnest mean?

What is Jack's name in the city?

1. Ernest
2. Algy
3. Algernon
4. Thomas

Why did Jack make up a fictional brother? (2 answers)

1. To work in London
2. To disappear and do as he likes
3. To visit his friend Bunbury
4. To have fun and avoid social obligations

How does Algernon find out about Jack's other name?

1. Jack left his suitcase
2. Jack left his cigarette case
3. Jack left his bag
4. Jack left his jacket

What is Jack to Cecily Cardew?

1. Her guardian
2. Her cousin
3. Her uncle
4. Her friend

Describe 'bunburyist'

"Mr. Worthing! Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture. It is most indecorous" Who said this?

1. Cecily
2. Lady Bracknell
3. Miss Prism
4. Gwendolen

Why is Gwendolen fixated on the name Ernest?

1. It's a German name
2. It's goes well together with her own name
3. It's an honourable and virtuous name
4. It's a popular name

Where was Jack found as a baby?

1. In a handbag on a platform
2. In a handbag on a carriage
3. In a handbag on the train
4. In a handbag in a cloakroom

What do you think of the play so far?

😒🙁😐🙂😃