Question

Read the excerpt from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest. Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it. Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You? Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother! Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried!
What do you learn about Miss Prism from this excerpt?
She believes in strict adherence to religion.
She believes in the division of social classes.
She believes in adherence to societal expectations.
She believes in morality over outward appearances.

Answer 1

Answer: She believes in adherence to societal expectations.

The Importance of Being Earnest is a play by Oscar Wilde. The play is a satire of Victorian ways, in particular the treatment of institutions such as marriage.

In this excerpt, Jack reveals that he is the lost baby that Miss Prism left at Victoria Station. Joyous at the revelation, he attempts to embrace Miss Prism, at which she replies that she is unmarried. The implication here is that she cannot embrace a man who is not her husband, whoever the man is and whatever the situation they are in. It shows an almost absurd and comical adherence to social expectations.