Algernon says that in married life “three is company and two is none.” How is the epigram built?

Lady Bracknell says losing one parent is a misfortune, but losing both “looks like carelessness.” What makes the line an epigram?

Miss Prism defines fiction: “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily.” What does the epigram compress?

Algernon jokes, “Divorces are made in Heaven.” What is being inverted?

Algernon says a definite proposal ruins romance because “The very essence of romance is uncertainty.” How does the epigram turn?

Gwendolen says that in grave matters, style matters more than sincerity. What expectation does the line reverse?

Gwendolen complains that “the old-fashioned respect for the young is fast dying out.” How is the joke structured?

Algernon says, “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” What social habit does the paradox criticize?

Lady Bracknell praises “natural ignorance” and says education in England produces no effect. What is the target?

Algernon asks what use the lower orders are if they do not set a good example. What does the paradox expose?

Cecily says Dr. Chasuble is learned because he has “never written a single book.” What is the paradoxical criticism?

Lady Bracknell dislikes long engagements because people might find out each other’s character. What is being criticized?

Algernon calls women flirting with their own husbands scandalous because it looks bad. What value is being mocked?

The plot turns on the difference between being named Ernest and being earnest. What does the pun organize?

Gwendolen insists her ideal is to love someone named Ernest. What does her desire depend on?

Cecily’s diary has already made “Ernest” her fiancé before Algernon truly proposes. What does the verbal surface do?

Why do both Jack and Algernon seek christenings once the women praise the name Ernest?

When Jack learns his name is Ernest John, how does the title pun resolve?

Algernon’s Bunbury is an “invaluable permanent invalid” who lets him escape to the country. What does the joke double as?

Jack invents a wicked brother named Ernest so he can leave the country for London. What does this witty deception enable?

Algernon uses the cigarette case inscription to expose Jack as “Uncle Jack.” What does this witty detail do?

Algernon arrives at Jack’s country house calling himself Ernest. How does wit drive the deception here?

Lady Bracknell’s horror at Jack being found in a handbag at a station mocks what?

Gwendolen says she never travels without her diary because she needs something sensational to read. What is the comic target?

Lady Bracknell says only people who cannot get into Society speak disrespectfully of it. What is mocked?