Part 3: Characterization in The Importance of Being Earnest Quiz 100%!!

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Chasuble. [Looking rather puzzled, and pointing to Jack and Algernon.] Both these gentlemen have expressed a desire for immediate baptism. Lady Bracknell. At their age? The idea is grotesque and irreligious! Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized. I will not hear of such excesses. Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was the way in which you wasted your time and money. How do Lady Bracknell's words reflect Victorian social codes? They demonstrate the importance of manners. They illustrate a strict adherence to social rules. They stress the necessity of being a "gentleman." They express the value of education over religion.

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Lady Bracknell. Ah! A life crowded with incident, I see; though perhaps somewhat too exciting for a young girl. I am not myself in favour of premature experiences. [Rises, looks at her watch.] Gwendolen! the time approaches for our departure. We have not a moment to lose. As a matter of form, Mr. Worthing, I had better ask you if Miss Cardew has any little fortune? Jack. Oh! about a hundred and thirty thousand pounds in the Funds. That is all. Goodbye, Lady Bracknell. So pleased to have seen you. Lady Bracknell. [Sitting down again.] A moment, Mr. Worthing. A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her. This excerpt most clearly conveys Lady Bracknell's belief that ----- makes someone more desirable.

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it. Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You? Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother! Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried! What do you learn about Miss Prism from this excerpt? She believes in strict adherence to religion. She believes in the division of social classes. She believes in adherence to societal expectations. She believes in morality over outward appearances.

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter. This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother. Under an assumed name he drank, I've just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, '89; wine I was specially reserving for myself. Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward. He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single muffin. And what makes his conduct all the more heartless is, that he was perfectly well aware from the first that I have no brother, that I never had a brother, and that I don't intend to have a brother, not even of any kind. I distinctly told him so myself yesterday afternoon. Based on this excerpt, what behavior does Jack most clearly disapprove of? being creative being deceptive being romantic being determined

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. Miss Cardew's family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby. 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. Based on this excerpt, which Victorian social code was important to the upper class? social ranking education appearances manners

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell. My own decision, however, is unalterable. I decline to give my consent. Lady Bracknell. [To Cecily.] Come here, sweet child. [Cecily goes over.] How old are you, dear? Cecily. Well, I am really only eighteen, but I always admit to twenty when I go to evening parties. Lady Bracknell. You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration. Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age. It looks so calculating . . . [In a meditative manner.] Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties. Well, it will not be very long before you are of age and free from the restraints of tutelage. So I don't think your guardian's consent is, after all, a matter of any importance. Jack. Pray excuse me, Lady Bracknell, for interrupting you again, but it is only fair to tell you that according to the terms of her grandfather's will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she is thirty-five. In this excerpt, the Victorian social code that stresses the importance of manners is most reflected through Jack's words when he addresses Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell's words when she commends Cecily for lying. Jack's actions when he declines to consent to the marriage. Lady Bracknell's actions when she speaks in a "meditative manner."

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Lady Bracknell. There are distinct social possibilities in Miss Cardew's profile. Algernon. Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world. And I don't care twopence about social possibilities. What does this passage convey about Algernon's values? He cares more about romance than about social status. He believes that wealth makes people more desirable. He takes pleasure in rebelling against his aunt's wishes. He is primarily concerned with physical attractiveness.

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Lady Bracknell. [Sitting down again.] A moment, Mr. Worthing. A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her. Few girls of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of the qualities that last, and improve with time. We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces. [To Cecily.] Come over here, dear. [Cecily goes across.] Pretty child! your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature might have left it. But we can soon alter all that. A thoroughly experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time. I remember recommending one to young Lady Lancing, and after three months her own husband did not know her. Based on this passage, Lady Bracknell most clearly places value on the importance of morality. background. manners. appearances.

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Lady Bracknell. [With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.] I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Hertfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance. What Victorian social code is reflected in Lady Bracknell's disapproval of the number of engagements? the belief that romance should play a large role in engagements the perception that quick engagements go against religious beliefs the belief that engagements and marriages should follow social rules the perception that it is important to marry within one's social class

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter. This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother. Under an assumed name he drank, I've just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, '89; wine I was specially reserving for myself. Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward. What is the most accurate conclusion that can be drawn about Algernon based on Jack's words? He takes pride in offending others. He believes in being friendly to everyone. He enjoys playing practical jokes. He is mischievous to suit his purposes.

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. Pray excuse me, Lady Bracknell, for interrupting you again, but it is only fair to tell you that according to the terms of her grandfather's will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she is thirty-five. The best conclusion that can be drawn from Jack's words is that he is ----.

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. 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! Which trait is most shown by both Cecily and Gwendolen in this excerpt? determination shyness hopelessness generosity

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it. Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You? Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother! Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried! Jack. Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered? Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly? Why should there be one law for men, and another for women? Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace her again.] What is the best conclusion that can be drawn about Jack, based on his words and actions in this excerpt? He has a tendency to be rude. He is inclined to show his emotions. He has a tendency to be gullible. He is inclined to be unresponsive.