Act 1
1. What are Jack’s intentions with Gwendolyn?
2. What does Algernon learn from Jack’s cigarette case?
3. Why does Jack have an alternate identity as Ernest? Why does Algernon need an imaginary friend named Bunbury?
4. Describe the character of Lady Bracknell. What does she believe is important?
5. Why does Gwendolyn love Jack?
6. What does Lady Bracknell mean when she says, “an engagement should come upon a young girl as a surprise”?
7. What is the story of Jack’s “birth”? How does Lady Bracknell react to it?
Act 2
8. What differences do you notice in the characters or setting when the action moves to the country?
9. What is Miss Prism’s rule of fiction?
10. Describe the relationship between Miss Prism and Rev. Chasuble.
11. How did Cecily fall in love with and become engaged to Jack’s brother Ernest?
12. Why do both Jack and Algernon want to be christened?
Act 3
1. What kind of questions does Lady Bracknell ask in order to form an opinion about Cecily? What makes her decide to give her consent?
14. What does Miss Prism reveal about Jack’s parents?
15. Have any of the characters really learned about the importance of being earnest? Explain.
