Question

How does Jack react when he sees Algernon at his house?

• A. He is happy
• B. He is furious
• C. He doesn’t recognize him
• D. He ignores him

Answer 1

Answer:

B. He is furious

When Jack sees Algernon at his house, he is furious and outraged, as Algernon has come to his country estate disguised as Jack's invented "brother," Ernest, which further complicates Jack's already elaborate web of lies; he is particularly upset that Algernon is now interacting with Cecily, his ward, under this false identity. 

• Anger and disbelief:

  Jack is visibly upset and cannot believe Algernon would come to his house pretending to be his "dead" brother. 

• Desire to send Algernon away:

  He tries to force Algernon to leave immediately, but Algernon refuses to go until Jack changes out of his mourning clothes. 

• Hypocrisy dilemma:

  Jack is trapped because exposing Algernon's charade would mean revealing his own invented "Ernest" persona.