Part 2: Literary Devices in The Importance of Being Earnest
Question 1 • 26-27 Ignite English 12 NG KY-English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from Act II of The Importance of Being Earnest.Gwendolen. [Quite politely, rising.] My darling Cecily, I think there must be some slight error. Mr. Ernest Worthing is engaged to me. The announcement will appear in the Morning Post on Saturday at the latest.
Answer
A
It creates a more serious tone by mentioning that the engagement will appear in the newspaper.
B
It makes it clear that Gwendolen is not extremely concerned with the current situation.
C
It heightens how ridiculous it is that two women think they are engaged to the same man.
D
It heightens Cecily’s outrage at Gwendolen for thinking she is engaged to Ernest Worthing.
Explanation
Gwendolen speaks with formal politeness while asserting that she is engaged to Ernest and that the engagement will be announced publicly. The contrast between her confident claim and the fact that Cecily also believes she is engaged to him makes the situation more absurd. This heightens the comedy of two women thinking they are engaged to the same man.
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