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What does Ernest/Jack tell Algernon he intends to do during his visit to London?

APropose to Gwendolen

BVisit Buckingham Palace

CVisit Big Ben

DBuy a new suit

Answer:

A. Propose to Gwendolen

Read Explanation:

  • In the opening scene of The Importance of Being Earnest, Jack (who goes by "Ernest" in London) tells Algernon that he has come to the city to propose to Gwendolen.

  • Jack is deeply in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, Algernon’s cousin, and he intends to ask for her hand in marriage. However, Algernon quickly complicates Jack’s plans by revealing that he has found Jack’s cigarette case, which has an inscription from "Cecily" to her "Uncle Jack"—exposing the fact that "Ernest" is not his real name.

  • This forces Jack to confess his double life: he is known as "Ernest" in London, where he enjoys freedom and an exciting social life, but in the country, he is "Jack", a responsible guardian to his young ward, Cecily.

  • Algernon, amused by Jack’s deception, then introduces the idea of "Bunburying"—living a double life to escape social obligations—setting the stage for the comedic misunderstandings that drive the play.


Related Questions:

Who in Macbeth said blood will have blood?
What do Cecily and Gwendolen do upon learning from Jack that “Ernest” is a fiction?
Who is Bunbury?
What prevents Jack from revealing Algernon’s assumed identity to Cecily?
What, specifically, does Cecily Cardew find intriguing and attractive about Jack’s imaginary brother Ernest?