Read the passage from an essay on The Importance of Being Earnest.
Chasuble:
was he not?
Jack: Oh yes.
Miss Prism [Bitterly]: People who live entirely for pleasure usually are.
How is the passage an example of Wilde achieving his overall purpose in writing the play?
A. Wilde uses realism to instruct the audience so they approve of the marriage.
B. Wilde uses sarcasm to shame the audience into embracing the social code.
C. Wilde uses humor to entertain the audience while he comments on marriage.
D. Wilde uses criticism to instruct the audience about the importance of morality.
Answer (2)
Wilde uses humor to provide social commentary on marriage, reflecting on the contradictions of Victorian values. The characters’ dialogue critiques the notion of prioritizing pleasure over meaningful relationships. This approach fosters reflection on societal norms regarding marriage.
;
Oscar Wilde uses humor in the passage to entertain while simultaneously providing social commentary on marriage and societal norms. The interactions between characters reveal the absurdities of Victorian values. This approach highlights the contradictions of pursuing pleasure over commitment in the context of marriage. ;
