Question

What does Jack wrongly conclude upon realizing that he was the misplaced baby?

• A. Bracknell is his mother
• B. Miss Prism is his mother
• C. He is Gwendolen’s cousin
• D. He is Algernon’s brother

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Miss Prism is his mother

• Upon realizing that he was the misplaced baby, Jack wrongly concludes that Miss Prism is his mother.

• In his excitement, he rushes to embrace Miss Prism, calling out:

"Mother!"

• However, Miss Prism immediately corrects him, explaining that she was merely his governess, not his mother. Lady Bracknell then reveals that Jack is actually the son of her late sister, making him Algernon’s older brother.

• This moment is hilarious because Jack, who has spent the entire play struggling with his uncertain origins, jumps to the wrong conclusion at the exact moment he is about to get the real answer. It’s a perfect example of Wilde’s use of dramatic irony and comedic misunderstanding.