In three to four sentences, explain…

English Questions

In three to four sentences, explain how this passage employs humor to critique Victorian views on the importance of family.

Answer

The passage employs humor, specifically through the ‘Comedy of Manners’ genre akin to the works of Oscar Wilde, to critique Victorian perspectives on the significance of family by mocking the obsessions, pretensions, and double standards of the upper class. By exaggerating the social behaviors and attitudes of the Victorian elite, it reveals their absurd commitment to reputation and societal norms over genuine familial duty. For instance, in Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, humor illustrates the lengths characters will go to escape their responsibilities, highlighting the misplaced priorities of the time. This indicates a critical stance on Victorian values, showcasing the hollowness of their social priorities.

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