Read the excerpt from Act II of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Jack. Oh! I don't see much fun in being christened along with other babies. It would be childish. Would half-past five do?
Chasuble. Admirably! Admirably! [Takes out watch.] And now, dear Mr. Worthing, I will not intrude any longer into a house of sorrow. I would merely beg you not to be too much bowed down by grief. What seem to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.
Miss Prism. This seems to me a blessing of an extremely obvious kind.
Which two definitions of the word blessing does the play in this excerpt rely on?
A. approval from someone in charge
B. a religious ceremony called a christening
C. encouragement from a friend
D. grace said at a meal
E. something that brings one happiness
Answer (2)
The excerpt from The Importance of Being Earnest relies on two definitions of "blessing": as a religious ceremony called a christening and as something that brings happiness. These meanings highlight the contrast between serious rites and the irony in everyday situations. This reflects Oscar Wilde's clever use of language in discussing life’s deeper truths.
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The excerpt from Act II of The Importance of Being Earnest relies on two definitions of "blessing": as something that brings happiness and as a religious ceremony like a christening. This reflects the themes of irony and deeper significance in social interactions, hallmark traits of Oscar Wilde's writing. Understanding these meanings enhances our appreciation of the dialogue's context. ;
