What does Algernon believe about the lower classes in relation …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Read this excerpt from The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde and complete the sentences that follow. ALGERNON: Good heavens! Is marriage so demoralising as that? LANE: I believe it is a very pleasant state, sir. I have had very little experience of it myself up to the present. I have only been married once. That was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person. 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. Algernon believes that the lower classes should the upper classes, yet he labels them as lacking .

Short Answer

Algernon believes the lower classes should positively influence the upper classes, asserting their behavior impacts societal morals. He emphasizes the importance of moral responsibility and critiques the lax views on marriage, suggesting that without strong examples from the lower orders, their societal role is diminished.

Step-by-Step Solution

Here’s a simplified breakdown of Algernon’s perspective in three steps:

Step 1: Understanding Algernon’s View on Class

Algernon believes that the lower classes should act as a positive influence for the upper classes. He criticizes them for not fulfilling this role, suggesting that the behavior of the lower classes can impact the moral standards of society. This highlights the interconnectedness of social classes and their duties to one another.

Step 2: Defining Moral Responsibility

Moral responsibility refers to the duty of individuals to act ethically and be accountable for their actions. It includes decision-making based on moral principles and the acceptance of consequences resulting from those decisions. This concept is a cornerstone of ethics, helping people differentiate between what is right and wrong.

Step 3: Critique of Marriage Views

Algernon expresses concern over Lane’s lax views on marriage. He critiques the meaning and significance of marriage, implying that if the lower orders are not providing a strong example, their role in society becomes questionable. This points to his belief that the lower classes should act responsibly to guide the overall moral fabric of society.

Related Concepts

Lower Classes

Social groups that occupy the lower rungs of the socioeconomic ladder and are often viewed as having less power or influence

Moral Responsibility

The obligation of individuals to make ethical choices and be accountable for their actions, influencing societal norms and behavior

Lax Views On Marriage

A relaxed or careless attitude toward the institution of marriage, potentially undermining its significance and moral implications in society.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read this excerpt from The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde and complete the sentences that follow. ALGERNON: Good heavens! Is marriage so demoralising as that? LANE: I believe it is a very pleasant state, sir. I have had very little experience of it myself up to the present. I have only been married once. That was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person. 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. Algernon believes that the lower classes should the upper classes, yet he labels them as lacking .

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