ENG 125 - The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Questions

I
“We live, as I hope you know, Mr. Worthing, in an age of ideals” Gwendolen to Jack (Act I)
What are these ideals in the context of the play, and how does Wilde present them to the audience?

or

II
What dramatic devices does Wilde use to create the comedy in The Importance of Being Earnest? Analyse in detail at least three comic moments.

or

III
The traditional view of gender relations in the Victorian era was that men were active, manly, assertive, and economically independent whilst women were presumed to be passive, pliant, and dependant. How far and in what ways does Oscar Wilde challenge these views in The Importance of Being Earnest?

or

IV
What is learnt about attitudes towards marriage in Act 1 in The Importance of Being Earnest?

In addition to your response to your selected question (at least 4 pages), it is expected that you will provide at least two sources separate from the stories and authors selected. Start your research on all facets of your chosen question as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me
Essay to be in Arial or Times 12pt font and double spaced.
Be sure to cite in accordance with MLA guidelines.


This essay is DUE Friday, May 15th 2009.
NO EXCEPTIONS