Characters
He is the protagonist who was found in a handbag.
Jack Worthing (also known as Ernest).
Algernon’s fictional, "sickly" friend who lives in the country.
Bunbury.
The "illness" Jack uses to kill off Ernest at the beginning of Act 2.
A "severe chill" .
Algernon claims that "Divorces are made in..."
Heaven.
The location where Jack was discovered as a baby.
Victoria Station (the Brighton line).
Algernon’s formidable aunt who represents Victorian high society.
Lady Bracknell.
Jack’s fake brother, who is supposedly "wicked" and lives in London.
Ernest Worthing.
Why do Jack and Algernon decide to be christened?
They both plan to be christened as "Ernest" to legitimize their lies and win back Cecily and Gwendolen. This decision shows in a humorous way how seriously the characters treat names over genuine morality.
Algernon says these are for the Aunt, but eats them all.
Cucumber sandwiches.
The item Algernon finds that reveals Jack’s real name.
A cigarette case.
The young ward of Jack who lives at his country estate.
Cecily Cardew.
The reason Jack thinks about "killing off" his brother Ernest by the end of Act 1.
He wants to propose to Gwendolen and settle down without continuing to live a double life.
What theme is reinforced through both the men's and women's reaction to deception (reveal)?
Appearances and social conventions matter more than truth. Even after discovering the lies, the women and men are more concerned about the name "Ernest" than dishonesty itself.
Algernon explains the value of deception in social life (find the quote from the play)
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."
The specific brand of champagne Lane serves (or lacks).
Perrier-Jouët (or simply "the best" quality).
The manservant who is "perfectly pessimistic" about marriage.
Lane.
Lady Bracknell’s primary concern regarding Jack's lineage?
His lack of parents/social standing.
Why does Gwendolen say (to Cecily) that she has the "prior claim" over Ernest?
Because Ernest asked her the day before, whereas Ernest only asked Cecily 10 minutes ago!
If you are not [wicked], then you have certainly been deceiving us all in a very ..... manner.
inexcusable
The number of Jack’s town residence (Belgrave Square).
Number 149.
The person Gwendolen’s father, Lord Bracknell, is usually dining with.
By himself, he is never seen and is ignored by the family.
Why does Gwendolen insists she can only love someone named "Ernest"?
Gwendolen is attracted not to Jack's character but to the idea and name of "Ernest," which she associates with honesty and reliability (shows Wilde's mockery of appearances and shallow values).
Why is it "painful" for Jack to say the truth about not having a brother?
Because he's taken the habit of lying/inventing/making things up in order to do whatever he wants. He isn't used to saying the truth and he's a bit humiliated. He also fears losing Gwendolen if the truth is revealed.
Gwendolen explains her obsession with a name rather than a person.
"The name of Ernest produces vibrations."
The colour of the ribbon on the handbag (according to Jack).
It didn't have a ribbon.