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