Questions and Answers
Who says, 'Why is it that at a bachelor's establishment that servants invariably drink the champagne?'
What does Lady Bracknell refer to when she mentions purchasing the confidence of a maid with a small coin?
Gwendolen's flight to the country
What is Lady Bracknell's opinion on the effect of education on the upper classes?
It produces no effect whatsoever.
What concern does Lady Bracknell express regarding Jack's father?
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In what context does Lady Bracknell mention a handbag?
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What political party does Jack claim to be part of?
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What does Cecily remark about the newspapers and agricultural depression?
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Study Notes
Social Class and Relationships
- Algernon queries the drinking habits of servants in higher societal establishments, highlighting class distinctions and expectations in Victorian society.
- Lady Bracknell reveals her influence and transactional relationships in maintaining control over her daughter's actions, showcasing the power dynamics within the family.
Education and Ignorance
- Lady Bracknell dismisses the importance of education, suggesting that it could threaten the stability of the upper class, reflecting the entrenched class prejudices of the time.
Lineage and Status
- The question of Jack's father is posed by Lady Bracknell, which underlines the significance of lineage and social status in determining one's place in society.
Concealed Origins
- Lady Bracknell's reference to being raised in a handbag illustrates the absurdity of social norms and mocks the idea of legitimacy based solely on birth circumstances.
Political Affiliations
- Jack identifies as a Liberal Unionist, but Lady Bracknell equates this with Toryism, revealing the blurred lines and expectations regarding political identities in elite circles.
Economic Concerns
- Cecily alludes to agricultural depression affecting the aristocracy, highlighting economic struggles within the upper class, emphasizing vulnerability despite social status.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key quotes highlighting social class dynamics in Oscar Wilde's play, The Importance of Being Earnest. This quiz includes significant dialogues that showcase the interactions between different social classes and the subtleties of Victorian society.
