Question

What is Gwendolen’s response to the story of Jack’s origins?

• A. She is shocked
• B. She is disgusted
• C. She thinks it’s romantic
• D. She thinks it’s a hoot

Answer 1

Answer:

C. She thinks it’s romantic

• Gwendolen finds the story of Jack’s origins romantic.

• In The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, when Jack reveals that he was found in a handbag at Victoria Station and does not know his true parentage, Gwendolen responds with admiration rather than shock.

• She exclaims:

• "The story of your romantic origin, as related to me by mamma, with unpleasing comments, has naturally stirred the deeper fibres of my nature."

• This reflects her idealistic and somewhat superficial view of romance, where even an unconventional or absurd situation can be seen as appealing as long as it fits her idea of love and destiny.

• Her reaction is consistent with Wilde’s satirical portrayal of Victorian upper-class attitudes, where appearances and style often matter more than substance.