Question

Why does Jack claim his "brother" Ernest has died?

• A. To make Gwendolen sad
• B. To stop Algernon from impersonating Ernest
• C. To avoid Lady Bracknell’s anger
• D. To impress Cecily

Answer 1

Answer:

B. To stop Algernon from impersonating Ernest

In Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," Jack claims his brother Ernest has died because he wants to finally take on the name "Ernest" himself, which is the only name his love interest, Gwendolen, will accept him with; essentially using his fictional brother's death as a way to fully embrace the identity he needs to pursue her.