Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Using the same reasoning as that in the passage, an automobile with eighteen wheels does what to the following hypothesis: 'All automobiles have only four wheels'?

• A. It proves the hypothesis.
• B. It raises the hypothesis's probability.
• C. It disproves the hypothesis.
• D. It decreases the hypothesis's probability.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An automobile with eighteen wheels contradicts the hypothesis that 'All automobiles have only four wheels.' This contradiction reduces the probability that the hypothesis is true. The hypothesis is not proven by the presence of an eighteen-wheel automobile, nor does it raise the probability of the hypothesis being true. Instead, it directly challenges the hypothesis, leading to a decrease in its probability of being correct.

3. What source would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over a number of years?

• A. A memoir from a former president of the Groundhog Club
• B. A record of weather patterns over the past decade
• C. An article on groundhog behavior in the northeast U.S
• D. A historical account of Groundhog Day traditions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A record of weather patterns over the past decade would be the most useful source in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions. By comparing Phil's forecasts with the actual weather outcomes, one can analyze the accuracy of his predictions. Choices A, C, and D do not directly provide the necessary data on weather patterns to evaluate Phil's reliability.

4. Why are italics used in the sentence, 'Although Ben said he supported his coworkers, his actions suggested he did not condone their behavior'?

• A. to show a word is intentionally misspelled
• B. to indicate a word in a foreign language
• C. to emphasize a contrast
• D. to reference a footnote

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Italics are often used in writing to draw attention to specific words or phrases, especially in cases where there is a contrast or emphasis intended. In this sentence, the use of italics on 'supported' and 'condone' helps highlight the contradiction between Ben's words and actions, emphasizing the contrast between what he said and what he actually did. Choice A is incorrect because italics are not used to indicate intentional misspellings in this context. Choice B is incorrect as italics are not used to indicate foreign words in this sentence. Choice D is incorrect as there is no mention of footnotes in the sentence.

5. What is the significance of the term 'Bunburying' in the context of the play?

• A. It highlights the characters' desire to lead a double life and escape social obligations.
• B. It reflects the characters' indifference to social conventions.
• C. It demonstrates the characters' willingness to deceive themselves and others.
• D. It serves as a metaphor for the characters' struggle to conform to societal expectations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 'Bunburying' is significant in the play because it emphasizes the characters' desire to lead double lives and avoid the strict societal expectations placed upon them. The term highlights their need to escape the confines of social obligations through deception and subterfuge. By maintaining a fictional persona like Bunbury, the characters can freely navigate between different social spheres, allowing them to explore personal freedom and evade the constraints of their social status. This escapade showcases their yearning for independence and autonomy, contrasting with the societal norms they are expected to conform to. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because 'Bunburying' in the context of the play is more about evading social duties through a dual identity, rather than reflecting indifference, willingness to deceive, or struggling to meet societal expectations.

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