Romanticism and Nineteenth Century Literature in England — Test
Question 12 • English IV
Read the passage from an essay on The Importance of Being Earnest . Chasuble: . . . Your brother was, I believe, unmarried, was he not? Jack: Oh yes. Miss Prism: [Bitterly.] People who live entirely for pleasure usually are. How is the passage an example of Wilde achieving his overall purpose in writing the play?
Answer
A
Wilde uses sarcasm to shame the audience into embracing the social code.
B
Wilde uses criticism to instruct the audience about the importance of morality.
C
Wilde uses humor to entertain the audience while he comments on marriage.
D
Wilde uses realism to instruct the audience so they approve of the marriage.
Explanation
Miss Prism’s bitter remark is witty and ironic: she suggests that people who live only for pleasure tend not to marry. The joke makes the exchange entertaining while lightly commenting on marriage and social behavior. Wilde’s play uses this kind of humor to amuse audiences while satirizing Victorian attitudes, so the best choice is “Wilde uses humor to entertain the audience while he comments on marriage.”
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