Question

What does Algernon find that exposes Jack’s real name?

• A. A letter
• B. A cigarette case
• C. A newspaper
• D. A diary

Answer 1

Answer:

B. A cigarette case

In The Importance of Being Earnest, Algernon discovers Jack's real name when he sees an inscription on Jack's cigarette case. 

• Jack Worthing uses the name "Ernest" in London, but his real name is Jack. 

• Jack uses the name "Jack" in Hertfordshire, where he has a country estate. 

• Algernon finds the cigarette case and sees that it's inscribed "From little Cecily with her fondest love". 

• Algernon forces Jack to explain the inscription, and Jack admits that his real name is Jack. 

• Algernon pretends to be shocked and disbelieving. 

• He shows Jack his visiting card, which has the name "Ernest" on it, and says he'll keep it as proof. 

• Jack explains that he's "Ernest in town and Jack in the country". 

Jack's lies become truths at the end of the play. He learns that he's actually Algernon's older brother and that his original name was Ernest.