Part 2: Literary Devices in The Importance of Being Earnest — Quiz
Question 1 • English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest . Algernon: Well, we might trot round to the Empire at ten? Jack: Oh, no! I can’t bear looking at things. It is so silly. Algernon: Well, what shall we do? Jack: Nothing! Algernon: It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don’t mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind. What effect does the paradox in this excerpt have on the reader?
Answer
A
It causes the reader to realize that doing nothing is never hard work and that Algernon is wrong.
B
It causes the reader to think about how doing nothing should be easy, but in fact can be quite hard.
C
It causes the reader to realize that Jack thinks doing something is always better than doing nothing.
D
It causes the reader to think about the multiple meanings of the word bear in the play.
Explanation
A paradox presents an idea that seems contradictory but reveals a point worth considering. Algernon says that doing nothing is “awfully hard work,” which sounds contradictory because doing nothing should require no effort. This makes the reader reflect on how having no activity or purpose can actually be difficult; choice B states that effect.
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