Nursing Elites

1. How does the concept of leading double lives contribute to the overall message of the play?

• A. It shows the characters' true personalities and the superficial nature of their social roles.
• B. It reveals the hypocrisy and superficiality of the characters.
• C. It deepens the complexity of the characters and the societal norms they navigate.
• D. It complicates the narrative by adding layers of deception and irony.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' the characters' practice of leading double lives serves to reveal their hypocrisy and superficiality. This aligns with the central theme of the play, which satirizes the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. By showcasing the characters' dual nature through their double lives, the play effectively critiques the shallow social roles they inhabit. Choice A is incorrect because the concept of leading double lives does not necessarily show the characters' true personalities but rather their deceptive and hypocritical behaviors. Choice C is incorrect as while leading double lives may deepen the complexity of the characters, the primary focus is on exposing their hypocrisy and shallowness. Choice D is also incorrect as the concept of double lives does add layers of deception, but the key message lies in revealing the characters' superficiality and hypocrisy.

2. During her research, Lise discovers that Freud's theory of the Oedipal complex was based on ancient Greek mythology that was made famous by Sophocles' play Oedipus Rex. To which section of the library should she go if she is interested in reading the play?

• A. 300
• B. 400
• C. 800
• D. 900

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 800. Greek mythology and literature are typically found in section 800 of the library classification system, which includes works like Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Choice A (300) pertains to social sciences, choice B (400) covers languages, and choice D (900) focuses on history, geography, and biography, making them incorrect for finding a play like Oedipus Rex.

3. In the statement above, several items are italicized, while only one is placed in quotation marks. According to the rules of punctuation, the following should be placed in quotation marks: article titles, book chapters, short stories, and episodes of television shows. Considering the list of works that Angela read, into which category does 'The Cask of Amontillado' most likely fit?

• A. newspaper article
• B. book chapter
• C. short story
• D. television show episode

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'The Cask of Amontillado' is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe. Short stories are considered literary works that should be placed in quotation marks according to the rules of punctuation. Therefore, 'The Cask of Amontillado' would fall under the category of works that should be placed in quotation marks.

4. Which literary device is most prominent in Wilde's play?

• A. Irony
• B. Symbolism
• C. Metaphor
• D. Allusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Irony.' Irony is the most prominent literary device in Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' as it pervades his critique of the upper class. Throughout the play, Wilde uses irony to highlight the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. The characters engage in witty and humorous dialogue filled with situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony, exposing the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. Symbolism, metaphor, and allusion are present in the play but to a lesser extent compared to irony. While symbolism and metaphor are used to enhance the themes and characterizations, allusion is sparingly employed. However, it is the pervasive use of irony that sets the tone and drives Wilde's satire of the societal norms and values of the time.

5. What is the purpose of the subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in the context of the play?

• A. To emphasize the seriousness of the social critique in the play.
• B. To downplay the seriousness of the play and present it as light-hearted.
• C. To reflect the trivial nature of the characters' concerns and lives.
• D. To highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' serves to reflect the trivial concerns of the characters and the superficiality of their lives. Wilde uses this subtitle to highlight the irony in portraying seemingly serious people who are preoccupied with trivial matters and appearances. Choice A is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to emphasize the seriousness of the social critique but rather the triviality of the characters' lives. Choice B is incorrect as the subtitle doesn't downplay the seriousness of the play; instead, it juxtaposes the trivial with the serious. Choice D is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly, but rather to underscore the triviality of the characters' concerns and behaviors.

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