Part 1: A Comedy of Manners: The Importance of Being Earnest

Question 1

Algernon.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Algernon holds his servant to an unreasonable standard because he expects the lower classes to be good examples for the upper class.

Question 2

Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest highlights the divide between the social classes in Victorian society?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?”

Question 3

Read the excerpt from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest.Jack. Oh, Gwendolen is as right as a trivet. As far as she is concerned, we are engaged. Her mother is perfectly unbearable. Never met such a Gorgon . . . I don’t really know what a Gorgon is like, but I am quite sure that Lady Bracknell is one. In any case, she is a monster, without being a myth, which is rather unfair . . . I beg your pardon, Algy, I suppose I shouldn’t talk about your own aunt in that way before you.Algernon. My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. It is the only thing that makes me put up with them at all. Relations are simply a tedious pack of people, who haven’t got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

In traditional society, Algernon would be expected to defend his aunt. Instead, he speaks freely about his feelings toward family.

Question 4

Jack.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Algernon says it is hard work to live in this leisurely manner.

Question 5

Lady Bracknell.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

imply that young women do not have a choice in their own marriages.

Question 6

Read the excerpt from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest.Jack. My dear Algy, you talk exactly as if you were a dentist. It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn’t a dentist. It produces a false impression.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

witty wordplay

Question 7

Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest is an example of a commentary on marriage?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I’ll certainly try to forget the fact.”

Question 8

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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

education

Question 9

Jack.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Gwendolen says that her brother proposes to all her friends.

Part 1: A Comedy of Manners: The Importance of Being Earnest Answers

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