FREE! Click here to Join FunTrivia. Thousands of games, quizzes, and lots more!
Wilde Oscar Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Wilde Oscar Quizzes, Trivia

Oscar Wilde Trivia

Oscar Wilde Trivia Quizzes

  1. Home
  2. »
  3. Quizzes
  4. »
  5. Literature Trivia
  6. »
  7. Authors T-Z

Fun Trivia
The legendary wit of Oscar Wilde features prominently in many of these quizzes. Explore the writing of the man who is alleged to have told a customs officer that he had nothing to declare except his genius.
22 Oscar Wilde quizzes and 260 Oscar Wilde trivia questions.
1.
  The Picture of Dorian Gray   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Oscar Wilde's 1891 Gothic classic, "The Picture of Dorian Gray", follows a man overcome by amorality who witnesses a transformation in a unique work of art in his possession. Good luck!
Average, 10 Qns, kyleisalive, Jun 13 23
Average
kyleisalive editor
Jun 13 23
118 plays
2.
  Test yourself! The Importance of Being Earnest Quiz    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
How much do you know about Oscar Wilde's play of deception, love, and being named Ernest?
Average, 20 Qns, laughinggirl, Oct 14 18
Average
laughinggirl
Oct 14 18
2160 plays
3.
  Quotations from Oscar Wilde and his works   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The great Irish writer/poet could and did skewer most anything with his rapier-like wit. Complete the following quotations.
Average, 10 Qns, Nealzineatser, Jun 03 20
Average
Nealzineatser gold member
Jun 03 20
779 plays
4.
  'The Selfish Giant' - Oscar Wilde    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Oscar Wilde, probably not known by many of today's young readers, but he is one who knows the tricks to captivate the heart of naive literature enthusiasts. Play this quiz to challenge yourself on one of his famous works, 'The Selfish Giant'.
Average, 10 Qns, sandy97, Mar 11 21
Average
sandy97
Mar 11 21
526 plays
5.
  Lady Windermere's Fan    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I read Wilde's "play about a good woman" last year, and I love it. If you haven't read it, I would encourage you to.
Average, 10 Qns, Bulm, Jan 22 18
Average
Bulm
Jan 22 18
454 plays
6.
  Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
If you have read this play, this quiz will be a piece of cake... If you haven't, then shame on you.
Average, 10 Qns, rdrunr, Sep 02 07
Average
rdrunr
2878 plays
7.
  The Importance of Knowing Your Lines    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
I'll give you a quotation from "The Importance of Being Earnest," and you choose which character says it.
Average, 20 Qns, alaspooryoric, Apr 01 12
Average
alaspooryoric gold member
613 plays
8.
  The Picture of Dorian Gray    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I just finished reading this novel! It is a very good (and interesting) book!
Average, 10 Qns, janiewitgunns, Apr 19 10
Average
janiewitgunns
1977 plays
9.
  Who's Who in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This quiz will generally acquaint you with characters for Oscar Wilde's only novel.
Average, 15 Qns, savannahjan, Mar 26 04
Recommended for grades: 10,11
Average
savannahjan
1609 plays
10.
  The Importance of Being Earnest Multiple Choice Quiz    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A quiz on the delightful Oscar Wilde play, "The Importance of Being Earnest". Insteand of concentrating on general themes, I will ask for details. Beware, moviegoers! All quotes are from "The Importance of Being Earnest", unless otherwise stated.
Difficult, 10 Qns, SkiersDream, Jul 31 03
Difficult
SkiersDream
1149 plays
trivia question Quick Question
And finally, who is the real Ernest?

From Quiz "Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest""




11.
  "The Importance of Being Earnest" Quotes    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Oscar Wilde's greatest play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest', is a witty portrayal of Victorian high society. Identify who says these quotes taken from the play.
Average, 10 Qns, scsloth, Jul 31 03
Average
scsloth
1537 plays
12.
  An Ideal Husband    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
"An Ideal Husband" is an Oscar Wilde comedy about a husband who doesn't turn out to be the ideal his wife always thought he was. It was first performed in 1895.
Average, 20 Qns, wardcogge, Sep 10 09
Average
wardcogge
351 plays
13.
  Dorian Gray    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a quiz on the Oscar Wilde novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray". Some of these questions are pretty tough.
Average, 10 Qns, Sarah606, Jun 14 05
Recommended for grades: 10,11
Average
Sarah606
1545 plays
14.
  Wilde About Poetry   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
All the questions have to do with poetry written by Oscar Wilde.
Tough, 10 Qns, pennie1478, Oct 28 07
Tough
pennie1478 gold member
372 plays
15.
  10 The Importance of Being Earnest Questions    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Questions about one of the best loved plays in the English language.
Tough, 10 Qns, Biznissman, Jan 31 21
Tough
Biznissman
Jan 31 21
189 plays
16.
  Dorian Gray Trivia: It Never Gets Old!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Join me as we take a trip through Oscar Wilde's only novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"! Have fun!
Average, 10 Qns, Xmaster8621, May 14 17
Average
Xmaster8621
169 plays
17.
  The Chapters of Dorian Gray: Part One    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is the first quiz of two that will go chapter through chapter of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. Each chapter will get one question.
Tough, 10 Qns, savannahjan, Mar 27 04
Tough
savannahjan
519 plays
18.
  Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz should be fairly easy for anyone who has read Wilde's only novel.
Tough, 10 Qns, bleedingwhiterose, Oct 08 03
Tough
bleedingwhiterose
1064 plays
19.
  The Chapters of Dorian Gray: Part Two    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is the continuation of my previous "chapters" quiz. Each question comes from a single chapter. So, pull out your copy of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" to score well!
Tough, 10 Qns, savannahjan, Mar 30 04
Tough
savannahjan
475 plays
20.
  Finish the Quote: Wilde Style    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Complete the quote from Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.
Tough, 10 Qns, bijolie, Jan 22 07
Tough
bijolie
1105 plays
21.
  Oscar Wilde: General Knowledge    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a general quiz about the plays of Oscar Wilde.
Tough, 10 Qns, Woohaa, Jun 04 04
Tough
Woohaa
929 plays
22.
  The Importance of Knowing the Answers    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Quiz on 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (rather hard).
Tough, 15 Qns, spur, Aug 02 13
Tough
spur
1007 plays
Related Topics
  Humor and Satire [Literature] (20 quizzes)

  Literature Before 1900 [Literature] (50 quizzes)

  Plays [Literature] (58 quizzes)


Oscar Wilde Trivia Questions

1. What is Basil Hallward's profession?

From Quiz
The Picture of Dorian Gray

Answer: Painter

London artist Basil Hallward speaks to Lord Henry Wotton about his newest portrait, one of young, local subject Dorian Gray. It's an odd painting, Basil claims, as he sees much of himself in it. After all, when he met Gray he had a feeling that Fate had joys and sorrow ready for him. It'll be the greatest work of his life, he states, but the public should never see it. With comments like this, it comes as no surprise that Lord Henry is so eager to meet Mr. Gray (despite Basil's apprehension). The meeting proves interesting as Lord Henry and a naive Dorian Gray hit it off. It's undeniable that Gray is a unique individual but Lord Henry's influence has a clear effect. Henry recommends that Gray give in to temptation because to resist will make him sick with longing. In the garden outside, Lord Henry warns him not to squander his natural beauty. When the painting is completed, Gray agrees that it's beautiful but he wishes that it could grow old instead of him. Real life beauty fades, but the masterpiece will retain him as he is. It's pure jealousy, he says; every second he ages, the painting takes something from him and gives it to itself.

2. At the opening of the play what treat has Algernon prepared for Lady Bracknell?

From Quiz The Importance of Being Earnest

Answer: Cucumber sandwiches

All these foods are mentioned in the play but cucumber sandwiches are Lady Bracknell's favorite. She doesn't get to try them because Algernon eats them all before she arrives.

3. "A man can be happy with any woman as long as _____." What line completes this quote from the one novel Oscar Wilde wrote?

From Quiz Quotations from Oscar Wilde and his works

Answer: he does not love her

The quote is from Wilde's signature novel "The Picture of Dorian Grey." Wilde often pointed out the hypocrisies and idiosyncrasies of the English societal conventions of his day through his characters. The novel was published in 1891. In it, a young, handsome man is influenced by a rakish, well-to-do English gentleman, to pursue a dissolute life of pleasure. Along the way he bargains his soul for eternal youth, and his sins and indiscretions are recorded on a portrait of himself rather than his face. He breaks the heart of a poor nightclub singer, who kills herself, and he eventually suffers dire consequences.

4. Who painted the titular picture?

From Quiz Dorian Gray Trivia: It Never Gets Old!

Answer: Basil Hallward

The novel opens with Basil's initial refusal to show his work publicly. He initially claims that he put too much of himself into the painting, before admitting his infatuation with Dorian Gray.

5. To whom did the garden, in which the children played, belong?

From Quiz 'The Selfish Giant' - Oscar Wilde

Answer: The Giant

To imaginative people, reading the garden's description can give them sweet dreams forever. The grass is green and glistening. There are a dozen peach trees, which break into pretty blossoms in spring. The children used to play in the garden after coming back from school.

6. Where does the First Act take place?

From Quiz An Ideal Husband

Answer: Octagon room in Sir Robert Chiltern's house

Lady Chiltern stands at the top of the staircase, ready to receive her evening guests.

7. Who says, "I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted"?

From Quiz The Importance of Knowing Your Lines

Answer: Algernon

Algernon makes this observation to Jack when Jack says that he is planning to propose to Gwendolen.

8. What is the missing word in the Oscar Wilde poem, "La Bella _____ Della Mia Mente"?

From Quiz Wilde About Poetry

Answer: Donna

"La Bella Donna Della Mia Mente" is Italian for The Beautiful Lady Of My Memory. The poem discusses a knight's love for his lady. Oscar Wilde describes the woman in the poem as pale and beaten.

9. What is the name of the actress whom Dorian Gray falls in love with?

From Quiz Dorian Gray

Answer: Sibyl

Dorian tells Lord Harry he fell in love with Sibyl Vane when he saw her in "Romeo and Juliet". She killed herself when Dorian broke off their engagement. Hetty was a pure village girl whom he cared for later in the novel.

10. In "A Woman of No Importance" Mrs Allonby says the 'Ideal Man' should "Talk to us as if we were goddesses, and treat us as if we were_________". Complete the line.

From Quiz Oscar Wilde: General Knowledge

Answer: Children

The first production of "A Woman of No Importance" was in April 1893 and marked the beginning of Wilde's rise in popularity.

11. In chapter one, where did Basil first meet Dorian?

From Quiz The Chapters of Dorian Gray: Part One

Answer: Lady Brandon's

Lady Brandon had many people over to her house to listen to some pianists. Basil and Dorian made eye contact and there was an instant connection.

12. Who is the artist in this novel?

From Quiz Who's Who in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Answer: Basil Hallward

Basil Hallward is a great painter who uses Dorian Gray as his muse.

13. What two colours are the roses that Lady Windermere is arranging at the start of the play?

From Quiz Lady Windermere's Fan

Answer: red and white

They symbolise Lady Windermere's naivety and innocence, and Mrs Erlynne's passion. Wilde seems to believe that a little of both is required in everyone. Their color is not specified in the text at this point, but is referred to later.

14. In which European city does the novel take place?

From Quiz The Picture of Dorian Gray

Answer: London

This novel takes place in London, England. It is set in the late 19th century.

15. On what street is Algernon Moncrieff's flat located?

From Quiz The Importance of Being Earnest

Answer: Half-Moon Street, W

Algernon Moncrieff resides in London on Half-Moon Street, W. Jack (also known as John) Worthing resides at the Manor House in Woolton.

16. JACK: Oh, that is all right. Cecily is not a silly, romantic girl, I am glad to say. She has got a capital appetite, goes for long walks, and__________.

From Quiz Finish the Quote: Wilde Style

Answer: pays no attention at all to her lessons

Jack says this to Algernon after he decides that his 'brother' Ernest will "be carried off suddenly in Paris, by a severe chill". To this, Algy asks whether Cecily will "feel his loss a good dead".

17. 'Health is the primary duty of life.'

From Quiz "The Importance of Being Earnest" Quotes

Answer: Lady Bracknell

In a conversation with Algernon in Act 1, Lady Bracknell gives her view on people who 'shilly shally' with the question of life and death.

18. In which year did Wilde publish "The Picture of Dorian Gray"?

From Quiz Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Answer: 1891

"Lady Windemere's Fan" was published in 1892; "A Woman of No Importance" was published in 1893; and I just picked 1888 for Jack the Ripper's sake!

19. Where did Mr. Worthing leave his cigarette case the last time he dined at Algernon's house?

From Quiz The Importance of Being Earnest

Answer: the smoking room

I'm sorry about the substitution of a 0 for an o . . . the filter dragon seems to have a natural aversion to that word. Algernon. Bring me that cigarette case Mr. Worthing left in the sm0king-room the last time he dined here. "Lane. Yes, sir. [Lane goes out.] "Jack. Do you mean to say you have had my cigarette case all this time? I wish to goodness you had let me know. I have been writing frantic letters to Scotland Yard about it. I was very nearly offering a large reward."

20. What is Lady Bracknell's first name?

From Quiz The Importance of Knowing the Answers

Answer: Augusta

Yes, presumbably because she is so august.

21. Dorian Gray meets Sibyl Vane after watching her act in what play?

From Quiz The Picture of Dorian Gray

Answer: Romeo and Juliet

After their meeting, Dorian and Lord Henry hit it off and spend time with one another. Lord Henry speaks to relatives to learn more about the young man he's taken under his wing and, at a later social gathering, Dorian is convinced to follow along with the lord who is, for all intents, his opposite. Perhaps he could learn from this interesting individual. A month passes and one day, while seeking a form of beauty in grey and miserable London, Gray wanders into a theatre and witnesses a young woman by the name of Sibyl Vane performing in 'Romeo and Juliet' on stage. To Lord Henry he professes his admiration of the actress and, to the lord's shock (but perhaps as a result of his own words), Gray announces his engagement to her via a letter.

22. What relation is Cecily to Jack Worthing?

From Quiz The Importance of Being Earnest

Answer: His ward

Cecily is the daughter of the late Mr Thomas Cardew who adopted Jack Worthing when he discovered him in a handbag given to him in mistake for his own. Under the terms of Cardew's will, Cecily is Jack's ward until she is 35.

23. "The only way to get rid of a temptation is ______." Complete this quote from "Picture of Dorian Grey."

From Quiz Quotations from Oscar Wilde and his works

Answer: to yield to it

Lord Henry Wotten, the mouthpiece for Wilde's hedonistic philosophy, seems to constantly egg on Dorian Grey to generally go for it in life and "yield to temptation." In the fascinating 1945 film based on the novel, George Sanders is the perfect Wotten; dashing, decadent, debonair and cynical, but with an amazingly well expressed and consistent "live for today" life view. Angela Lansbury, only twenty at the time, is surprising as the beautiful club singer, being better known for roles later in her life such as in "Murder She Wrote."

24. What does Dorian Gray wish for during Hallward's and Lord Henry's conversation after seeing the completed portrait?

From Quiz Dorian Gray Trivia: It Never Gets Old!

Answer: Everlasting youth

He wishes that the painting of him would bear the effects of age that would have originally befallen him. The wish was made as an offhand comment in response to Lord Henry's observation that Dorian would grow older and uglier.

25. With whom had the Giant been staying for seven long years, before returning to his castle?

From Quiz 'The Selfish Giant' - Oscar Wilde

Answer: The Cornish Ogre.

The Giant returns from his stay at his friend's place, the Cornish Ogre, and is horrified to see the children playing in his delicate garden. He chases them away and puts up a sign that says 'TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED'.

26. Why does Lady Basildon call the man who took her in to dinner trivial?

From Quiz An Ideal Husband

Answer: Because he talked about his wife the whole time

Mrs Marchmont and Lady Basildon are two of Lady Chiltern's guests. They belong to the London society.

27. Which character states, "On an occasion of this kind it becomes more than a moral duty to speak one's mind. It becomes a pleasure"?

From Quiz The Importance of Knowing Your Lines

Answer: Gwendolen

Gwendolen superiorly intones this to Cecily as they catfight over the misunderstanding that they are each engaged to the same man.

28. In the poem "Theoretikos", what does this mighty empire have?

From Quiz Wilde About Poetry

Answer: Feet of clay

In Oscar Wilde's poem "Theoretikos", the mighty empire described has feet of clay. Theoretikos means contemplative. The poem comes from Oscar Wilde's book of poetry titled "Wind Flowers", put together in 1890.

29. When Lady Harry first meet Dorian, which opera does she say she was attending when she saw him?

From Quiz Dorian Gray

Answer: Lohengrin

Victoria Harry tells Dorian that she saw him at a performance of Wagner's "Lohengrin". She also tells Dorian that she likes Wagner because the music is so loud that you can talk the whole time without anyone hearing what you are saying.

30. According to Lord Goring in Act 3 of "An Ideal Husband", "To love oneself is the beginning of__________"?

From Quiz Oscar Wilde: General Knowledge

Answer: lifelong romance

Wilde had a few of this kind of character in his plays, thought to be a reflection of himself - a sort of pompous, self-sufficient sort of chap. In the stage prompts Goring is described as "the first well dressed philosopher."

This is category 9598
Last Updated Mar 23 2024 5:46 AM
play trivia = Top 5% Rated Quiz, take trivia quiz Top 10% Rated Quiz, test trivia quiz Top 20% Rated Quiz, popular trivia A Well Rated Quiz
new quizzes = added recently, editor pick = Editor's Pick editor = FunTrivia Editor gold = Gold Member

Teachers / educators: FunTrivia welcomes the use of our website and quizzes in the classroom as a teaching aid or for preparing and testing students. See our education section. Our quizzes are printable and may be used as question sheets by k-12 teachers, parents, and home schoolers.

 ·  All questions, answers, and quiz content on this website is copyright FunTrivia, Inc and may not be reproduced without permission. Any images from TV shows and movies are copyright their studios, and are being used under "fair use" for commentary and education.