Part 3: Characterization in The Importance of Being Earnest Pre-Test – Flashcards
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Which Victorian social code is reflected in Miss Prism's words and actions? Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You? Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother! Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried!
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The importance of social rules
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Which trait is most shown by both Cecily and Gwendolen in this excerpt? Gwendolen. True! I had forgotten. There are principles at stake that one cannot surrender. Which of us should tell them? The task is not a pleasant one. Cecily. Could we not both speak at the same time? Gwendolen. An excellent idea! I nearly always speak at the same time as other people. Will you take the time from me? Cecily. Certainly. [Gwendolen beats time with uplifted finger.] Gwendolen and Cecily [Speaking together.] Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier. That is all!
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Determination
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What does this passage convey about Algernon's values? Algernon. Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world. And I don't care twopence about social possibilities.
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He cares more about romance than about social status.
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Based on this passage, Lady Bracknell most clearly places value on the importance of
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Appearances
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In this excerpt, the Victorian social code that stresses the importance of manners is most reflected through
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Jack's words when he addresses Lady Bracknell.
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What is the best conclusion that can be drawn about Jack, based on his words and actions in this excerpt?
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He is inclined to show his emotions.
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Based on this excerpt, which Victorian social code was important to the upper class? Lady Bracknell. Markby, Markby, and Markby? A firm of the very highest position in their profession. Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby's is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties. So far I am satisfied.
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Social ranking
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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?
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Knowing that Jack was found as a baby in a railway station, she is concerned that Algernon wants to marry someone who may be of a lower social ranking.
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What trait does Jack show in this excerpt?
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An ability to negotiate
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Which line from The Importance of Being Earnest best makes this point?
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"To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life . . ."
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What does Lady Bracknell say that makes light of marriage in this excerpt?
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She says that Lady Harbury looks younger since her husband's death.
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The literary device used in this line is a(n) Cecily. It is always painful to part from people whom one has known for a very brief space of time.
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Epigram
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A comedy of manners is a type of dramatic comedy that ________ the rules and behaviors of a society.
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Humorously critiques
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Part of the excerpt would be considered an epigram because
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The short, witty statement "Divorces are made in Heaven" offers a surprising take on divorces.
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The epigram that Algernon uses in his last line provides a critique about Algernon. Oh! it is absurd to have a hard and fast rule about what one should read and what one shouldn't. More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn't read.
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How the rules of Victorian society dictated many things, even what was proper to read.
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Based on this excerpt, what behavior does Jack most clearly disapprove of?
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Being deceptive
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What does this excerpt most clearly convey about Lady Bracknell?
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She thinks that family background is important.
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What do you learn about Miss Prism from this excerpt?
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She believes in adherence to societal expectations.
