Literature-In-English Paper 3, May-June 2015

The Importance of Being Ernest

Comment on the use of irony in the play.

This was a popular question. Some of the candidates were able to bring out instances of irony in the play while others concentrated on its plot.

The required answers should include:

Algernon’s argument with Jack over Jack’s cigarette case.

The double identity of Jack which is replicated in Algernon’s “Bunburyism”

Lady Bracknell who married with hardly any wealth is seen rating people for their wealth.

The desire for the name Ernest.

The abandoning of a baby at the railway station in a bag instead of in a pram.

Candidates’ performance in the question was fair.