9
QuizMultiple Choice

Nineteenth Century England — Test

Question 9 • Advanced Composition

Read the excerpt from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest . [ Lady Bracknell: ] I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing. Which do you know? Jack: [After some hesitation.] I know nothing, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell: I am pleased to hear it. I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. What does Wilde’s use of humor critique in this excerpt?

Answer
A
government
B
education
C
tradition
D
marriage

Explanation

Lady Bracknell praises Jack for knowing nothing and claims that education has no effect, while also calling modern education “radically unsound.” The irony of treating ignorance as something valuable makes fun of the education system and its supposed results. Therefore, Wilde’s humor critiques education.

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