Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Lady Bracknell. [With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitti
ng down.] I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Hertfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance. I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I merely desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. [Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.] How can Lady Bracknell asking Miss Cardew (Cecily) if she is "at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London" be seen as a reflection of Victorian social codes?
Lady Bracknell is referring to Cecily’s guardian- Jack’s background as he was an orphan found in a baby carriage in London railway station.
Explanation:
As appearances were of paramount importance in Victorian society, Lady Bracknell is enquiring if Cecily suits his fiancée’s wealthy status and social class. As a moral guardian of social distinctions, this wealthy lady asks for titles and family names to prevent lower classes climbing the social ladder. If Cecily happens to be a parentless child from a working class, the future bride would lack a suitable financial inheritance or dowry.
