Question

Which two characters’ unexpected visits to Jack prompt the end of his fictional brother/alter ego?

• A. Cecily and Gwendolen
• B. Algernon and Gwendolen
• C. Algernon and Dr. Chasuble
• D. Gwendolen and Lady Bracknell

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Cecily and Gwendolen

The two characters whose unexpected visits to Jack prompt the end of his fictional brother/alter ego, "Ernest," are:

1. Algernon Montcrieff – Jack’s best friend

   • Algernon arrives at Jack’s country estate in Hertfordshire, pretending to be "Ernest Worthing."

   • He does this to meet Cecily Cardew, whom he is instantly smitten with.

   • This creates chaos because Jack had already "killed off" his fictional brother Ernest, claiming he had died in Paris.

2. Gwendolen Fairfax – Jack’s love interest

   • Gwendolen unexpectedly shows up at Jack’s estate, eager to see "Ernest" (whom she believes to be Jack).

   • When she meets Cecily, both women realize they are engaged to "Ernest", leading to confusion and confrontation.

   • The truth unravels when Jack is forced to admit that "Ernest" never existed.

How This Ends Jack’s Double Life

• With Algernon pretending to be "Ernest" and Gwendolen searching for "Ernest," Jack is backed into a corner.

• The deception collapses, forcing Jack to drop his false identity and admit the truth.

• Ironically, by the end of the play, he discovers that his real name was "Ernest" all along, making his deception unnecessary in the first place!

This plot twist is Wilde’s brilliant satirical take on Victorian hypocrisy and the absurdity of identity and social expectations.