Question

What arrangement have Algernon and Jack both made, winning them the complete forgiveness of Cecily and Gwendolen?

• A. To rechristen themselves as Ernest
• B. A joint wedding
• C. A joint honeymoon
• D. To end the engagements

Answer 1

Answer:

A. To rechristen themselves as Ernest

• Algernon and Jack win the complete forgiveness of Cecily and Gwendolen by revealing that they have both arranged to be christened as "Ernest" later that day.

• Since both women are obsessed with the name and believe it symbolizes trustworthiness and romance, this promise immediately restores their affection for the men. The irony, of course, is that neither Jack nor Algernon has been honest throughout the play, yet their willingness to change their names is enough to make them "worthy" in the eyes of their fiancées.

• This moment highlights Wilde’s satire on Victorian superficiality, where a name matters more than actual character or integrity.