Question

Jack. May I ask you then what you would advise me to do? I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen’s happiness. Lady Bracknell. I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire some relations as soon as possible, and to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite over. Jack. Well, I don’t see how I could possibly manage to do that. I can produce the hand-bag at any moment. It is in my dressing-room at home. I really think that should satisfy you, Lady Bracknell. –The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde



In three to four sentences, explain how this passage uses humor to critique Victorian views about the importance of family.

Answer 1

To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me ... possible, and to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite over. Jack. Well, I don't see how I could possibly manage to do that. I can produce ... It is in my dressing-room at home.

Answer 2

Humor is a literary tool, which is used to induce amusement, break monotony, boredom, and produce laughter. Humor can also be used sarcastically to criticize someone.

The excerpt is taken from the book 'The Importance of Earnest' written by Oscar Wilde.

Humor to critique Victoria:

• The book written by Oscar Wilde is a comedy of manners, which ironically describes the conduct of the Victorian Upper Class.

• The language of the book is funny and witty, which hypocritically describes the story.

• The book criticizes Victorian Society that uses satire to cultural norms of marriage mindset. The Victorian Society fell in the idea or concept of earnestness, which is very well described by the author.

Thus, the book written by Oscar Wilde is a comedy of manners that ironically criticizes Victorian society.

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