\begin{tabular}{|l}\hline Question 1 \\ \( \begin{array}{l}\text { Why does Jack go by the name of Ernest } \\ \text { when he is in the city? } \\ \text { O He wants to change his name to Ernest to } \\ \text { marry Cecily. } \\ \text { He is worried that someone will find him and trouble. } \\ \text { get made up the character as an excuse to visit } \\ \text { the city. }\end{array} \) \\ \hline\end{tabular}

Jack adopts the name "Ernest" when he is in the city because he wants to escape his responsibilities and lead a double life. He uses this alter ego to create a sense of freedom and excitement, allowing him to pursue romantic interests, like Cecily, without the constraints of his rural existence. This playful deception allows for comedic scenarios, as Jack's duplicity ultimately leads to chaos and misunderstandings when the truth is revealed. In the world of Oscar Wilde's characters, using a pseudonym is not uncommon and serves to highlight themes of identity and social expectations. For Jack, being "Ernest" symbolizes a longing for an ideal version of himself—one who is adventurous and unencumbered. It cleverly critiques Victorian societal norms where appearances often overshadow genuine character, making it a timeless exploration of self versus societal roles.