Jack. May I ask you then what you would advise me to do? I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen’

Question

27 days ago

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Jack. May I ask you then what you would advise me to do? I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen’

s happiness. Lady Bracknell. I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire some relations as soon as possible, and to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite over. Jack. Well, I don’t see how I could possibly manage to do that. I can produce the hand-bag at any moment. It is in my dressing-room at home. I really think that should satisfy you, Lady Bracknell. –The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde
In three to four sentences, explain how this passage uses humor to critique Victorian views about the importance of family.

English

2 answers:

seraphim [6.2K] · Answer 1 · 2026-03-06T12:00:43+03:00

Sample Response: Jack is primarily focused on ensuring Gwendolen's happiness, while Lady Bracknell is fixated solely on whether Jack can demonstrate that he has reputable relatives. Her suggestion is absurd, as it would be unrealistic to expect Jack to suddenly locate a parent. Jack's readiness to present the handbag as a replacement for his parents emphasizes the ridiculousness of her demand.

Bond [6.4K] · Answer 2 · 2026-03-06T12:02:30+03:00

To be born or raised in a handbag, regardless of whether it has straps, seems feasible to me... and it would be ideal to make a concerted effort to have at least one parent of either gender before the season concludes. Jack: I truly can't see how I can achieve that. I can certainly produce... It's in my changing room at home.