Literature-In-English Paper 3 Nov/Dec 2015

Question 8

      OSCAR WILDE: The Importance of Being Ernest

    Analyse the character of Algernon as a fun-loving aristocrat.


Observation

A good number of candidates attempted this question. However, many of them gave a character sketch of Algernon but did not portray him as a young aristocrat who found the aristocratic life rather boring and created fun for himself.

The required answers should include:

  • Algernon escapes the madding aristocratic class by creating an invalid friend called Bunbury in the country, who is continually sick and needs his care.

 

  • Algernon comes upon Jack’s cigarette case. The message involving an “aunt” of Jack gives Algernon vivacious interest in Cecily.

 

  • Algernon eavesdrops on Gwendolen and Jack’s conversation on Jack’s address; he then goes off to find Cecily, Jack’s ward.
Candidates’ performance in this question was poor.