Act II
Portion 1 (pp. 24–29: “Second Act…to the schools”)
Comprehension
1. Where is the scene set?
In the morning-room of Jack Worthing’s country manor at Woolton.
2. Who are the characters present?
Miss Prism (Cecily’s governess), Cecily Cardew (Jack’s ward), Dr. Chasuble (the local rector), and later Algernon (as
“Ernest”).
3. What are Miss Prism’s and Cecily’s opinions on Jack Worthing?
○ Miss Prism admires Jack’s propriety and kindness; she thinks him a model gentleman.
○ Cecily regards Jack fondly but calls him “the most earnest-looking person I ever saw,” finding his
seriousness both comic and endearing.
4. What are Miss Prism’s and Cecily’s opinions on Ernest Worthing?
○ Cecily has fictionalized Ernest in her diary as a romantic villain: she believes him wicked and exciting.
○ Miss Prism knows nothing of Ernest until he arrives; she is puzzled by Cecily’s romantic fantasies about
him.
5. Why does Cecily have a diary?
As a Romantic heroine, Cecily keeps a journal in which she records imaginary love affairs—chiefly, her invented
passion for “Ernest.”
6. Why does Cecily think that Miss Prism is clever?
Because Miss Prism can recite texts “verbatim” from books and has a large store of classical learning, Cecily
equates scholarly knowledge with cleverness.
7. What is Dr. Chasuble’s opinion on Jack Worthing?
Dr. Chasuble respects Jack as a worthy parishioner and moral guide; he praises his strict sense of duty.
8. Who arrives on stage under the fake identity of Ernest Worthing?
Algernon Moncrieff, having traveled to the country pretending to be Jack’s brother Ernest (“Bunburying”).
9. Does Ernest plan to stay and see Jack?
Algernon-as-Ernest initially says he intends only a brief visit to see Jack, but Cecily hopes he will stay longer.
10. What are Jack’s plans for Ernest according to Cecily?
Cecily explains that Jack intends to “kill off” Ernest—i.e., announce his sudden, tragic death—to end the double life.
11. Why does Cecily say Ernest will not need a necktie in Australia?
She believes Australia is so hot and wild that civilized accessories like a necktie would be useless.
12. What does Ernest ask Cecily to do for him not to go to Australia?
“Ernest” begs Cecily to allow him to stay a week longer, persuading Jack to postpone Ernest’s death.
13. Can we say that Ernest is interested in Cecily? Why?
Yes—Algernon quickly becomes enchanted by Cecily’s charms and eagerly flirts with her, showing genuine
attraction.
Analysis
1. Does Cecily match Jack’s end-of-Act I description?
Jack had called Cecily a “silly romantic girl.” In fact, she is imaginative but also practical and witty—more complex
than the label suggests.
2. What kind of relationship unites Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble?
A quietly affectionate rapport: they share intellectual rather than romantic intimacy, hinting at a slow-burn courtship.
3. Comment on Cecily’s hypocrisy quotation.
“If you are not [wicked], then you have certainly been deceiving us all… That would be hypocrisy.”
Cecily absurdly inverts virtue into vice: she dislikes hypocrisy yet practices it—just as Victorian society idealizes
morality but indulges hidden sins.
Portion 2 (pp. 29–34: “Enter Jack…Ah, there she is”)
Comprehension
1. What is Jack wearing? Why?
Morning dress and black coat—he wears mourning attire to announce Ernest’s “death.”
2. What favor does Jack ask Dr. Chasuble?
To christen Cecily and Algernon in the country church, ensuring their proper names and station.
3. What surprise does Cecily have for her uncle Jack?
She has arranged a beeswax candle-lit afternoon tea, complete with lace and petit fours, to honor him.
4. Find a quotation showing Jack does not believe Cecily.
Jack: “You have a bad habit, Cecily, of contradicting me at a moment’s notice.”
5. What does Cecily order Jack to do?
To hurry up and officiate Ernest’s funeral so she can move on with life.
6. Why does he refuse?
Because he still hopes to maintain the fiction twice longer for Gwendolen’s sake.
7. What news does Merriman give to Jack? Is he pleased?
That Algernon has arrived as Ernest. Jack is dismayed—he never expected his “brother” to show up.
8. Two quotations showing Algernon jokes at Jack’s expense.
○ “My dear fellow, the truth isn’t quite the sort of thing one tells to a nice, sweet, refined girl.”
○ “Really, Uncle Jack, you had much better be Ernest.”
9. Is Algernon going to obey Jack? What are his plans?
No; he plans to stay on indefinitely and court Cecily as Ernest.
Analysis
1. What comedic style is used here?
Farce and language comedy: the outrageous funeral plan and witty barbs.
2. Define “double-entendre.”
A phrase with two meanings, one often risqué.
3. Examples in Jack’s lines.
When Jack says “I am fully determined to crush this notable exception to the rules of morality,” he plays on “crush”
both as destroy and as emotional infatuation.
Portion 3 (pp. 34–38: “Ah, there she is…in my diary”)
Comprehension
1. Will Ernest/Algernon stay a whole week?
He states he intends only a brief visit, but Cecily welcomes a longer stay.
2. What does Cecily intend to do with her diary?
Burn it—she’s tired of her romantic fantasies now that “Ernest” has arrived in person.
3. What is the big question Ernest/Algernon asks Cecily?
“Will you marry me?”—he proposes under the false identity.
4. Why is Cecily not surprised?
Because she has already “recorded” their romance in her diary.
5. What does Cecily show Ernest/Algernon from a box?
Her diary, full of written declarations of love for “Ernest.”
6. Summarize her written love story.
A dramatic tale of secret meetings, dark passions, and a forbidden engagement—all invented by Cecily.
7. What does Cecily love most about Ernest? Is she the only one?
His wickedness as described in her diary; Gwendolen also loves “Ernest” for his name, showing both women are
enamored with a fiction.
8. Why does Ernest/Algernon want to see Dr. Chasuble?
To arrange for his and Cecily’s names to be rightly solemnized.
Analysis
1. Was Cecily “not a silly romantic girl”?
She is romantic but balanced by wit and independent thought, proving more grounded than Jack expected.
2. Is Cecily a simple Victorian girl?
No; she defies conventions by keeping a racy diary and orchestrating her own affairs.
3. Is Algernon surprised by her personality?
Yes—he admires her bold imagination and finds her antics delightful.
4. What kind of humor dominates?
Irony and situational comedy: fantasy meets reality with absurd consequences.
5. Echoes of earlier passages?
The diary scene mirrors the name-obsession of Gwendolen: both women idealize a false Ernest.
Portion 4 (pp. 38–42: “in my diary…in the neighbourhood”)
Comprehension
1. Who are present?
Cecily, Gwendolen (arriving from town), Miss Prism, Dr. Chasuble, and later Jack and Algernon.
2. How does Cecily imagine herself before seeing Gwendolen?
As a poor rosy dreamer, expecting a refined city girl.
3. By what names do they call each other?
Gwendolen is “Gwendolen,” Cecily is “Cecily”—both briefly adopt first names to signal intimacy.
4. How does Gwendolen describe her father?
As a “person of excellent family,” detached but benevolent.
5. How does she describe her mother?
As imposing and formidable—Lady Bracknell is “not to be trifled with.”
6. Is Gwendolen pleased Cecily is Jack’s ward? Why?
Yes; she sees Cecily as a potential ally in her claim on “Ernest” and a fellow conspirator.
7. What information does Cecily give about their guardian?
That Jack lives under two names and keeps a black leather handbag from his infancy.
8. How does Gwendolen receive this?
With outrage—she feels cheated that Jack’s name is not Ernest in the country.
9. Why do they start fighting?
Both believe they are engaged to the one and only Ernest, and each accuses the other of stealing him.
10. Why does Gwendolen always carry her diary?
To record every perfectly candid thought for posterity.
11. Why, according to Gwendolen, is she Ernest’s true fiancée?
Because her engagement was solemnly made under the name Ernest and validated by Lady Bracknell.
12. Why, according to Cecily, is she Ernest’s true fiancée?
Because she has lived the entire engagement in her diary and worships him passionately.
13. What stops the fight?
The re-entrance of the servants and the arrival of Jack and Algernon, restoring order.
14. “Detestable girl, but I require tea! … indignation”
a. Gwendolen flaunts her town-bred composure and sense of superiority even in conflict.
b. The ruined tea service—with spilled cream and shattered china—parodies genteel domesticity.
15. How has their relationship evolved?
From suspicion and rivalry to sisterly solidarity once they reconcile their competing claims.
16. (Video reflection)
Watching the performance emphasizes the sharp comic timing of their quarrel and the exaggeration of Victorian
manners.
Analysis
1. What forms of comic are used?
Situation (mistaken engagements), language (exaggerated politeness), attitude (competitive civility).
2. Is it normal that Lord Bracknell never goes out?
It satirizes aristocratic isolation—high society retreats from everyday life.
3. How does their speaking time evolve?
Gwendolen dominates early, but Cecily takes the lead as her wit emerges.
4. Do they share lines equally?
Initially no; Gwendolen speaks more until Cecily’s city-girl confidence grows.
5. Is Gwendolen candid?
No—her “perfect candour” is performative, layered with strategic politeness.
6. Sentence construction (pp. 40–41)
Gwendolen’s clipped, formal clauses contrast with Cecily’s flowing, imaginative phrases, reflecting their
backgrounds.
7. “No time for the shallow mask of manners”
Cecily rejects superficial etiquette in favor of genuine emotion—another critique of Victorian formality.
8. Servants’ return as “restraining influence”
Their reappearance forces a return to decorum, underlining the play’s social framework.
9. Gwendolen’s first vs. last lines
She evolves from self-centered snobbery to genuine friendship and humility.
10. Victorian critiques
○ Obsession with names over substance
○ Fragile social rituals
○ Superficial friendship built on deceit
11. Are they “earnest”?
No—in their earnestness about Ernest’s name, they ironically abandon true sincerity.
Portion 5 (pp. 42–46: “Ernest!…Act drop”)
Comprehension
1. What does Gwendolen learn about her fiancé?
That his real name is Jack, not Ernest.
2. What does Cecily learn about hers?
That her “Ernest” is actually Algernon in disguise.
3. Why do they reconcile?
They unite in shared indignation at the men’s deceit.
4. Quotation showing Jack as a helpless liar.
Jack: “I really don’t know what to say.” His stammer reveals his innocence.
5. Why do the girls leave the stage?
Overwhelmed by shock and indignation, they rush off to compose themselves.
6. Will Jack be able to return to town easily?
No—Gwendolen refuses to see him until he proves his identity.
7. Will Algernon move to the country easily?
Similarly, Cecily insists on truth before reconciliation.
8. Will the boys marry the girls?
Only if they become truthful and restore trust.
9. When and with whom do the boys have an appointment? Why?
They agree to meet later with Dr. Chasuble to arrange baptisms and explore legitimation of their names.
Analysis
1. Why is “serious Bunburyist” strange?
Bunburying was meant for frivolous excuses, not solemn deception—so “serious” contradicts the term’s intent.
2. “That is nonsense…”—Do you agree?
Yes; Algernon’s philosophy of nonsense is part of Wilde’s critique: nonsense can reveal deeper truths than rigid
logic.
3. Is a happy ending possible? Why?
It seems uncertain until names and identities are resolved—Wilde keeps the resolution playful yet hopeful.
4. What do you expect for the final act?
A farcical unraveling of mistaken identities, leading to double engagements and restored social order.
Act III
Portion 1 (pp. 46–49: “Third Act…a peculiarly unnecessary manner”)
Comprehension
1. Where is this portion set?
On the lawn of Jack’s country estate, outside the manor.
2. Which characters are present?
Cecily, Gwendolen, Jack, Algernon, Miss Prism, and Dr. Chasuble; Lady Bracknell soon arrives.
3. What do the girls decide to do when the boys approach?
They agree to forgive them if they make perfect surrender.
4. Do they succeed? Why?
No—both men insist on being Ernest, so forgiveness is withheld.
5. Why does Algernon pretend to be Ernest?
To win Cecily’s hand under the identity she believes she loves.
6. Is this satisfactory for Cecily? Why?
Yes; she desires Ernest above all, so the deception flatters her.
7. Why does Jack pretend to be Ernest?
To win Gwendolen’s approval and secure their engagement.
8. Is this satisfactory for Gwendolen? Why?
No—Gwendolen insists on sincerity, so Jack’s lie offends her.
9. Why can’t the girls forgive?
Because the men’s duplicity wounds their pride and sense of honor.
10. How has Lady Bracknell arrived at Jack’s house?
By automobile—she arrives unexpectedly, humorously breaking rural seclusion.
11. Whose house does Lady Bracknell believe they are in?
She thinks they are in Cecily’s grandfather’s former residence, not Jack’s.
Analysis
1. Why do the girls truly want to forgive?
They are genuinely in love and wish to restore their ideal engagements; their declarations—“We must forgive him, or
our hearts will break”—show sincerity.
2. Do they make sense? Why?
Their behavior is hyperbolic, but their emotional impulses ring true: love motivates forgiveness.
3. Why does Lady Bracknell return at this moment?
To enforce social hierarchy and investigate Cecily’s suitability as an heiress.
4. Comment on Gwendolen’s line “In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.”
She subverts moral earnestness: for her, appearance and proper form trump genuine feeling, epitomizing Wilde’s
satire of Victorian superficiality.
Portion 2 (pp. 49–54: “That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew…waiting for me in the vestry”)
Comprehension
1. Why does Lady Bracknell question Cecily?
To assess her family background and suitability as a bride.
2. Why is she not displeased that Cecily’s father had three addresses?
Because multiple residences imply wealth and social connections—exactly what Lady Bracknell values.
3. Why does Cecily suddenly become interesting to her?
Because Cecily is an heiress, making her a desirable match for Algernon.
4. Why does Lady Bracknell consent?
She approves once assured of Cecily’s fortune and lineage.
5. What wedding advice does Lady Bracknell give?
To ensure proper establishment and to consult etiquette manuals for behavior.
6. Why does Jack oppose Algernon and Cecily’s union?
As Cecily’s guardian, he resists because Algernon is not truly Ernest and thus unworthy.
7. Is Jack’s refusal a problem for Lady Bracknell? Why?
No—she views it as charming obstinacy and believes Cecily will decide when of age.
8. When can Cecily decide for herself?
On her twenty-fifth birthday or upon Lady Bracknell’s consent.
9. What solution does Jack propose for their marriage?
That Jack and Algernon switch identities by legal deed, allowing Algernon to be Ernest.
10. Does Lady Bracknell agree? Why?
Yes—she values the practical solution to secure Cecily’s marriage and fortune.
Analysis
1. What do you think of Lady Bracknell’s sudden interest in Cecily?
It underscores her mercenary nature: marriage is purely transactional.
2. Explain “We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces.”
Lady Bracknell condemns Victorian superficiality: society cares only for appearances, not substance. Her remark
underlines the play’s critique of a world governed by external decorum.
Portion 3 (pp. 54–59: “Miss Prism!…end of the play”)
Comprehension
1. Why does Lady Bracknell decide to stay longer?
She discovers connections between Miss Prism and Cecily’s family history worth exploring.
2. Quote showing her low opinion of Miss Prism.
“Prism, of course, is a thoroughly nice governess, but as a literary person she’s entirely incompetent.”
3. How do Lady Bracknell and Miss Prism know each other?
They were acquaintances in the aristocratic circles long ago; Prism once nannied Lady B. as a child.
4. How does Miss Prism recognize Jack’s handbag as her own?
She admits she once accidentally left her manuscript and handbag in the cloakroom, revealing both.
5. Who is Jack’s real family?
He is the son of Lady Bracknell’s sister, making him Algernon’s elder brother and of high birth.
6. What is Jack’s real name? Where does it come from?
He is actually “Ernest” John Moncrieff; the name was on the manuscript he was found with as a baby.
Analysis
1. How is suspense created?
Through gradual revelation: Miss Prism’s confession, the handbag’s identification, and Lady Bracknell’s mounting
astonishment.
2. Why does Gwendolen prove nonsensical?
She believes in symbolic names over true identities, clinging to “Ernest” even amid chaos.
3. How is fatherhood represented?
As both an ideal (Jack’s guardianship of Cecily) and an absurd bureaucratic matter (baby in a handbag), highlighting
societal distortions of family.
4. Comment on Jack’s last line, “I’ve now realised… the vital Importance of Being Earnest.”
a. It neatly ties the pun—truthfulness vs. the name Ernest—into a witty finale.
b. The characters have learned that sincerity and identity must align.
c. “Earnest” here means sincere; Jack values genuine character above mere nomenclature.
