Nineteenth Century England — Test Answers

Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest . Algernon: 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. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to forget the fact. In the passage, Wilde uses [Dropdown 1] to achieve an aesthetic impact.

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?

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Lady Bracknell: [With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.] I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Hertfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance. I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I merely desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. [ Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.] How can Lady Bracknell asking Miss Cardew (Cecily) if she is "at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London” be seen as a reflection of Victorian social codes?

Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest. Gwendolen: [To Jack.] Darling! Algernon: [To Cecily.] Darling! [They fall into each other's arms.] [Enter Merriman. When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.] Merriman: Ahem! Ahem! Lady Bracknell! Jack: Good heavens! [Enter Lady Bracknell. The couples separate in alarm. Exit Merriman.] Lady Bracknell: Gwendolen! What does this mean? In contrast to reading the scene, seeing the staged version of the scene would improve its aesthetic impact by allowing the audience to

Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest . Lady Bracknell: . . . I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I merely desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. Which excerpt from the passage contains a paradox and a pun?