Question

What, specifically, does Cecily Cardew find intriguing and attractive about Jack’s imaginary brother Ernest?

• A. His impulsiveness
• B. His “joie de vivre”
• C. His dark good looks
• D. His wickedness

Answer 1

Answer:

B. His “joie de vivre”

Cecily Cardew finds Jack’s imaginary brother, Ernest, intriguing and attractive because of his wickedness and rebellious nature.

1. She is fascinated by the idea of a "bad boy."

   • Cecily has a romanticized view of wickedness, believing that a man should have a bit of a wild and adventurous past to be interesting.

   • She tells Algernon (who is pretending to be Ernest):
     "I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time. That would be hypocrisy."

   • This ironic statement reflects Wilde’s satire of Victorian morality, where people secretly admire mischief while publicly condemning it.

2. She has already invented a fantasy love story with "Ernest."

   • Before even meeting "Ernest," Cecily imagines that they are engaged and even writes love letters to herself from him.

   • She also stages a fake breakup in this imaginary romance, believing that it adds drama and excitement.

   • This highlights Cecily’s youthful innocence and tendency to live in a world of fantasy rather than reality.