What does this excerpt most clearly convey about Lady Bracknell? …

History Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
History Questions

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. [In a clear, cold voice.] Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B. Lady Bracknell. That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen. But what proof have I of their authenticity? Jack. I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period. They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. [Grimly.] I have known strange errors in that publication. 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. What does this excerpt most clearly convey about Lady Bracknell? She thinks that family background is important. She believes in the beauty of true love. She desires to change her social status. She distrusts people who have reputable names.

Short Answer

“The Importance of Being Earnest” centers on Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both lead double lives to escape responsibilities and pursue love, creating humorous complexities. The play critiques Victorian society through themes of social class, identity, and the absurdities of marriage, with key characters like Jack, Algernon, Gwendolen, Cecily, and Lady Bracknell driving the story forward.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Plot

In “The Importance of Being Earnest,” the story follows two friends, Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing, who both lead double lives. Jack creates a fictional brother named Ernest to escape responsibilities while Algernon pretends to have an invalid friend, Bunbury, to avoid social obligations. Both men pursue women who insist on marrying someone named ‚ÄöAuErnest,‚ÄöAu leading to humorous complications.

Step 2: Explore Key Themes

The play addresses several significant themes that critique Victorian society. Key themes include:

  • Social Class and Expectations: It mocks the rigid social norms associated with marriage and wealth.
  • Identity and Deception: Characters assume false identities in their pursuit of love and to meet societal demands.
  • Marriage and Love: The portrayal of romance often highlights the absurdity and pressures surrounding marriage.

Step 3: Recognize Important Characters

The character dynamics enhance the play’s comedic elements. Important characters include:

  • Jack Worthing: The protagonist with a dual existence.
  • Algernon Moncrieff: Jack’s witty friend, also leading a double life.
  • Gwendolen Fairfax: Jack’s determined love interest.
  • Cecily Cardew: Algernon’s romantic interest, fascinated with the name Ernest.
  • Lady Bracknell: Gwendolen’s snobbish mother, representing Victorian values.

Related Concepts

Plot

The sequence of events and actions in a story that outlines the main narrative arc and character interactions.

Themes

Central ideas or messages explored in a literary work, often reflecting societal issues or moral questions.

Characters

Individuals in a story who drive the plot and embody the themes, each with distinct traits and motivations.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. [In a clear, cold voice.] Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B. Lady Bracknell. That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen. But what proof have I of their authenticity? Jack. I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period. They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. [Grimly.] I have known strange errors in that publication. 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. What does this excerpt most clearly convey about Lady Bracknell? She thinks that family background is important. She believes in the beauty of true love. She desires to change her social status. She distrusts people who have reputable names.

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