Question

Read the excerpt from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest.

Algernon. [Languidly.] I don???t know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane.

Lane. No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject. I never think of it myself.

Algernon. Very natural, I am sure. That will do, Lane, thank you.

Lane. Thank you, sir. [Lane goes out.]

Algernon. Lane???s views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don???t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.

How does Wilde use this conversation to poke fun at the class divisions of his day?
Algernon holds his servant to an unreasonable standard because he expects the lower classes to be good examples for the upper class.
Algernon excuses his servant after Lane provides refreshments, and the two men chat about marriage and family life.

Answer 1

I believe the correct answer is first statement: Algernon holds his servant to an unreasonable standard because he expects the lower classes to be good examples for the upper class.

 

 In his drama “The Importance of Being Earnest” Oscar Wilde critics the Victorian era higher society’s moral and different views, especially the views on marriage. In this excerpt from drama, Wilde uses this conversation to make fun of the upper class by stating “if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility”, which should be the opposite - upper class should be an example of moral to the lower class.

Answer 2

Answer:

irst statement: Algernon holds his servant to an unreasonable standard because he expects the lower classes to be good examples for the upper class.

Explanation: