Sample Response: Throughout the play, Wilde uses puns to connect the name Ernest to the word earnest. When Cecily says that she has always wanted to marry someone named Ernest, she implies that she also wants someone earnest who “inspire[s] absolute confidence.” In this scene, however, Algernon is lying to her about who he is. His deception suggests that no one can ever have “absolute confidence” that others are being earnest. What did you include in your response? Check all that apply. a description of the pun an explanation of why the pun is funny an explanation of how the pun connects to a serious topic or question