Question

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.

Answer 1

Sample Response: Jack is concerned with making sure that Gwendolen is happy, but Lady Bracknell is concerned only with whether Jack can prove he has important family members. Lady Bracknell’s response is ridiculous because it is impossible to expect Jack to miraculously find one of his parents. Jack’s offer to produce the handbag as a suitable substitute for his parents highlights how ridiculous her request is.

Answer 2

To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me ... 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 ... It is in my dressing-room at home.