In Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, which character uses the alias 'Ernest' to woo Gwendolen?

• A. Jack Worthing
• B. Algernon Moncrieff
• C. Lane
• D. Rev. Canon Chasuble

Answer: (A)

The test hinges on how Wilde uses mistaken identities and names to drive romance and satire. In the city, Jack Worthing creates a false persona named Ernest to present himself as a more exciting, respectable suitor. Gwendolen is obsessed with the idea of being with a man named Ernest, believing the name embodies honesty and earnestness. By adopting this alias, Jack crafts the impression that he is the ideal partner for her, exploiting her fixation to win her affection.

So, the character who uses the alias Ernest specifically to woo Gwendolen is Jack Worthing. It’s also worth noting that another character later uses the same name to pursue someone else—Algernon Moncrieff tries the Ernest persona to woo Cecily—highlighting Wilde’s playful commentary on social appearances and the performative nature of identity.