Task

Your task is to answer one of the following questions (a) or (b):


 * (a) Using the following extracts as a starting point, explore the presentation of characters' views on education in the play. You should refer to Wilde's **language**, **characterisation** and **thematic purpose**.

(i) LADY BRACKNELL ... I have always been of the opinion that a man who desires to ge tmarried should know either everything or nothing. Which do you know?

JACK (//after some hesitation//) I know nothing, Lady Bracknell.

LADY BRACKNELL I am pleased to hear it. I do not approve of anything that tempers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately, in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square.

(ii) MISS PRISM (calling) Cecily, Cecily! Surely such a utilitarian occupation as the watering of flowers is rather Moulton's duty than yours? Especially at a moment when intellectual pleasures await you. Your German grammar is on the table. Pray open it at page fifteen. We will repeat yesterday's lesson.

CECILY (coming over very slowly) But I don't like German. It isn't at all a becoming language. I know perfectly well that I look quite plain after my German lesson.

MISS PRISM Child, you know how anxious your guardian is that you should improve yourself in every way. He laid particular stress on your German, as he was leaving for town yesterday. Indeed, he always lays stress on your German when he is leaving for town. ||
 * (b) 'A lot of comedy in the play is generated by contrast between the young and the old.'

Do you agree? In your answer you should consider Wilde's **plot**, **characterisation** and **variations in the language** in the play as a whole. ||
 * Lets now look at how you will go about undertaking this task : the Process ||