Part 3: Characterization in The Importance of Being Earnest
Question 1 • 26-27 Ignite English 12 NG KY-English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest.Jack. I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter. This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother. Under an assumed name he drank, I’ve just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, ’89; wine I was specially reserving for myself. Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward.
Answer
A
He takes pride in offending others.
B
He believes in being friendly to everyone.
C
He enjoys playing practical jokes.
D
He is mischievous to suit his purposes.
Explanation
Jack describes the man as using a false identity to get into his house, drink his reserved wine, and interfere with his ward’s affections. These actions show deliberate mischief that helps him get what he wants, rather than friendliness or harmless joking. The best choice is “He is mischievous to suit his purposes.”
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