How does Algernon's deception mirror Jack's in the city?

• A. He pretends to be Algernon to pursue Cecily.
• B. He pretends to be Ernest to pursue Cecily, mirroring Jack's dual identity.
• C. He reveals his deception and chooses honesty.
• D. He abandons deception and leaves town.

Answer: (B)

Algernon’s deception mirrors Jack’s in the city because both men adopt the same alias, Ernest, to create a second, more enticing identity that helps them pursue love and bypass social constraints. Algernon pretends to be Ernest to woo Cecily, just as Jack presents himself as Ernest in the city to win Gwendolen. This parallel drives the comedy by showing how titles and reputations can shape romantic prospects, and it satirizes the idea that a name—or a persona—determines honesty or worth. The other options don’t fit because they describe actions that don’t occur in the plot (Algernon never pretends to be Algernon, never reveals honesty, and doesn’t abandon deception to leave town).