Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Chasuble: [Looking rather puzzled, and pointing to Jack and Algernon. ] Both these gentlemen have expressed a desire for immediate baptism. Lady Bracknell: At their age? The idea is grotesque and irreligious! Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized. I will not hear of such excesses. Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was the way in which you wasted your time and money. How do Lady Bracknell’s words reflect Victorian social codes?
Answer
A
They demonstrate the importance of manners.
B
They illustrate a strict adherence to social rules.
C
They stress the necessity of being a “gentleman.”
D
They express the value of education over religion.
Explanation
Lady Bracknell objects to the men’s baptism not because of its religious meaning, but because she considers it improper and socially unacceptable at their age. Her concern that Lord Bracknell would disapprove of the time and money spent shows how strongly she values conformity to social rules. This reflects a strict adherence to social rules, rather than simply good manners or education.
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