Part 1: A Comedy of Manners: The Importance of Being Earnest — Quiz
Question 8 • English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest . Lady Bracknell: Well, I must say, Algernon, that I think it is high time that Mr. Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to die. This shilly-shallying with the question is absurd. . . . I should be much obliged if you would ask Mr. Bunbury, from me, to be kind enough not to have a relapse on Saturday, for I rely on you to arrange my music for me. It is my last reception, and one wants something that will encourage conversation, particularly at the end of the season when every one has practically said whatever they had to say, which, in most cases, was probably not much. What aspect of Lady Bracknell’s behavior does Wilde use to poke fun at the importance placed on frivolous events in formal society?
Answer
A
her interest in playing classical music at her reception
B
her concern about the health of Algernon’s friend
C
her concern with a party instead of Mr. Bunbury’s health
D
her jealousy over Algernon’s friendship with the sickly Mr. Bunbury
Explanation
Lady Bracknell treats Mr. Bunbury’s serious illness as an inconvenience because it might disrupt her reception and music. Her request that he not have a relapse on Saturday shows that the party matters more to her than his health. This contrast pokes fun at the priority formal society gives to frivolous events.
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