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.
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The phrase 'labyrinths of lamplighted city' contains an example of what?
- A. Hyperbole
- B. Simile
- C. Metaphor
- D. Alliteration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Alliteration.' The phrase 'labyrinths of lamplighted city' uses alliteration by repeating the 'l' sound, creating a rhythmic and vivid image of a city illuminated by lamps. Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words, and in this case, it enhances the description of the city in the reader's mind. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because there is no exaggeration (hyperbole), comparison using 'like' or 'as' (simile), or direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as' (metaphor) present in the phrase.
What is the significance of the word 'mind' in the following passage? The emperor had a mind one day to entertain me with several of the country shows, wherein they exceed all nations I have known, both for dexterity and magnificence.
- A. The ability to think
- B. A collective vote
- C. A definitive decision
- D. A mythological question
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'mind' in this context refers to a definitive decision or desire by the emperor. In the passage, the emperor had a specific intention or choice to entertain the narrator with country shows, indicating a clear decision rather than just the ability to think (Choice A), a collective vote (Choice B), or a mythological question (Choice D). The emperor's 'mind' here represents a deliberate and decisive plan to host the narrator for the country shows.
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.
Which statement best details the central idea in this passage?
- A. It discusses insects that transition from water to air during their life cycle.
- B. It explores the field of entomology, particularly focusing on gills.
- C. It explains the mechanism of insects' respiration.
- D. It encourages readers to contribute to insect conservation efforts.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the passage primarily discusses certain insects that spend time in water during their early stages and then transition to an aerial life when they reach adulthood. It highlights how these insects, such as Stoneflies, May-flies, and Dragon-flies, live in water initially and then in the air during their adult stage. This central idea is best captured by choice A. <br> Choice B is incorrect because while the passage mentions gills as a part of the respiratory system of aquatic insects, it does not delve into entomology as a field. Choice C is incorrect as it does not solely focus on defining insect respiration but rather on the transition of certain insects between aquatic and aerial environments. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not explicitly invite readers to participate in insect preservation efforts; it mainly focuses on describing the life cycle of specific insects.
What is the definition of the word 'haunt' in the following passage? 'From that time forward, Mr. Utterson began to haunt the door in the by street of shops.'
- A. To levitate
- B. To constantly visit
- C. To terrorize
- D. To daunt
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 'Haunt' in this context means to visit a place frequently or persistently, which aligns with Mr. Utterson's actions of regularly going to the door in the by street of shops. The other choices are incorrect because 'levitate' means to rise or float in the air, 'terrorize' means to cause extreme fear, and 'daunt' means to make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive, none of which accurately reflect the meaning of 'haunt' in this context.