Read the beginning of The Importance of Being Earnest.Title: The Importance of Being Earnestby Oscar WildeThe Persons in the PlayJohn Worthing, J.P.Algernon MoncrieffRev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.Merriman, ButlerLane, ManservantLady BracknellHon. Gwendolen FairfaxCecily CardewMiss Prism, GovernessFirst ActSCENEMorning-room in Algernon’s flat in Half-Moon Street. The room is luxuriously and artistically furnished. The sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room.[Lane is arranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music has ceased, Algernon enters.]Algernon. Did you hear what I was playing, Lane?Lane. I didn’t think it polite to listen, sir.
Answer
A
The setting at the opening of the play makes a comment on the benefits of being married.
B
The names of the characters in the play help Wilde illustrate the differences between social classes.
C
The title is helpful in establishing the play as a comedy of manners because it makes use of witty wordplay.
D
The first line of dialogue in the play helps Wilde emphasize a contrast between city and country life.