Nursing Elites

1. How does Wilde use irony to critique the upper class in the play?

• A. By portraying the upper class as sincere and honorable.
• B. By showing that the upper class is deeply concerned with morality.
• C. By exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class.
• D. By highlighting the noble and upright nature of the upper class.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wilde uses irony by exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class, revealing their lack of genuine depth and morality. In 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Wilde satirizes the British aristocracy by highlighting their absurdities and trivialities. The play's characters, like Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, lead double lives, symbolizing the dual nature of their social status. Through witty dialogue, puns, and irony, Wilde exposes the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. The term 'Bunburying' coined by Wilde exemplifies the characters' deceitful actions to avoid social responsibilities. Additionally, the play ridicules the concept of marriage, portraying it as a societal transaction rather than a romantic bond. For instance, Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack about his eligibility as a suitor for Gwendolen underscores the materialistic view of marriage prevalent in the society Wilde critiques. Wilde's humorous yet critical portrayal of the aristocracy in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' makes it a timeless and cherished work.

2. Why is The Importance of Being Earnest considered one of Wilde's most enduring works?

• A. Because it offers a deep and serious critique of society.
• B. Because it humorously exposes the flaws of the upper class.
• C. Because it captures the essence of Wilde's witty and satirical style.
• D. Because it reflects Wilde's deep personal struggles with society.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The play endures because it perfectly captures Wilde's witty and satirical style, making it a timeless critique of society. 'The Importance of Being Earnest' humorously exposes the flaws of the upper class, rather than offering a deep and serious critique of society (Choice A). While Wilde's personal struggles may have influenced his works, 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is more focused on societal critiques through wit and satire, rather than reflecting his personal struggles (Choice D). Although the play does humorously expose the flaws of the upper class, the main reason for its enduring popularity is its embodiment of Wilde's witty and satirical style (Choice B). Therefore, Choice C is the correct answer.

3. Which phrase best completes the definition of a memoir?

• A. A historical account of a person's life written by one who has intimate knowledge of the person's life
• B. A historical account of a person's life written by the person himself or herself
• C. A fictional account about a famous person
• D. A nonfictional account about a famous person without factual reference

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A memoir is a historical account of a person's life written by someone who has intimate knowledge of that person's life, not necessarily by the person themselves. This distinguishes it from an autobiography, which is written by the person themselves. Memoirs are nonfictional and based on factual references, making option A the most fitting completion of the definition. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a memoir is not necessarily written by the person about whom it is written, it is not fictional, and it should be based on factual references to be considered a memoir.

4. From the passage, which of the following statements represents a logical conclusion about the author?

• A. The author loves to attend theatrical productions
• B. The author prefers musical comedies
• C. The author also enjoys concerts and movies
• D. The author finds theater seating comfortable

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage does not provide any information about the author's preference for musical comedies (choice B), enjoyment of concerts and movies (choice C), or comfort with theater seating (choice D). However, the passage does mention cicadas and their emergence, not providing any details that connect to the author's preferences. Therefore, the only logical conclusion that can be drawn about the author is that they love attending theatrical productions, as suggested by the deep love for attending theater productions.

5. What is the author's point of view?

• A. First person
• B. Third person limited
• C. Third person omniscient
• D. Objective

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The passage is told from a third person limited point of view because the thoughts and perspectives of two specific characters, Michael and Lana June, are presented. The narrator provides insight into their thoughts, but remains limited to their viewpoints without revealing the thoughts of any other characters. This extract demonstrates the limited perspective by showing the inner thoughts of Michael and Lana June, indicating a third person limited narrative. Third person omniscient would involve knowing the thoughts of all characters, which is not the case here. First person would involve using 'I' to narrate, which is absent. Objective point of view would present only observable actions without any character's thoughts or feelings, which is not the case in this passage.

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