how does wilde portray the institution of marriage in the importance of being earnest

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. How does Wilde portray the institution of marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest?

A. As a romantic union between two individuals.
B. As a social contract designed for economic and social gain.
C. As a trivial and superficial agreement.
D. As a necessary evil in a structured society.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde portrays marriage as a social contract rather than a romantic union. The play satirizes the transactional nature of marriage in the society Wilde critiques. Characters like Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack highlight how marriage is viewed as a means for economic and social gain rather than genuine affection, emphasizing the societal norms of the time. Choice A is incorrect because Wilde's portrayal goes beyond a simple romantic view of marriage. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies Wilde's critique of marriage and societal norms. Choice D is incorrect as it doesn't capture the nuanced satire Wilde employs in dissecting the institution of marriage.

2. In which chapter should Clothilde look for more information?

A. Chapter 7
B. Chapter 9
C. Chapter 10
D. Chapter 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clothilde should look for more information in Chapter 9, 'Herbs for Immunity,' as her sister's daughter has a chronic cough. Immune-boosting herbs may help strengthen the child's immune system and potentially alleviate the cough. Chapter 9 focuses on herbs that support immune health, making it the most relevant chapter for addressing a chronic cough related to immunity. Chapters 7, 10, and 12 do not specifically focus on immunity or respiratory conditions, making them less likely to provide the information Clothilde needs.

3. What is the significance of the word 'mind' in the following passage? The emperor had a mind one day to entertain me with several of the country shows, wherein they exceed all nations I have known, both for dexterity and magnificence.

A. The ability to think
B. A collective vote
C. A definitive decision
D. A mythological question

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'mind' in this context refers to a definitive decision or desire by the emperor. In the passage, the emperor had a specific intention or choice to entertain the narrator with country shows, indicating a clear decision rather than just the ability to think (Choice A), a collective vote (Choice B), or a mythological question (Choice D). The emperor's 'mind' here represents a deliberate and decisive plan to host the narrator for the country shows.

4. What is the purpose of the subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in the context of the play?

A. To emphasize the seriousness of the social critique in the play.
B. To downplay the seriousness of the play and present it as light-hearted.
C. To reflect the trivial nature of the characters' concerns and lives.
D. To highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' serves to reflect the trivial concerns of the characters and the superficiality of their lives. Wilde uses this subtitle to highlight the irony in portraying seemingly serious people who are preoccupied with trivial matters and appearances. Choice A is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to emphasize the seriousness of the social critique but rather the triviality of the characters' lives. Choice B is incorrect as the subtitle doesn't downplay the seriousness of the play; instead, it juxtaposes the trivial with the serious. Choice D is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly, but rather to underscore the triviality of the characters' concerns and behaviors.

5. What was the author's intent in the passage?

A. To persuade
B. To entertain
C. To express feeling
D. To inform

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's primary intent in the passage is to inform the reader about historical events related to the succession of monarchs in England and Scotland. The passage presents factual information about the reigns of King James I, King Charles I, King Charles II, King James II, and the attempted recapture of the throne by Bonnie Prince Charlie. It details how religious differences and political conflicts shaped the history of England and Scotland. The other choices are incorrect because the author's focus is on providing historical facts rather than persuading, entertaining, or expressing personal feelings.