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What is the name of the fictional friend that Algernon Moncrieff invents to avoid boring social situations?

ABloomberg

BBunbury

CErnest

DWilloughby

Answer:

B. Bunbury

Read Explanation:

The name of the fictional friend that Algernon Moncrieff invents to avoid boring social obligations is Bunbury.

Who is "Bunbury"?

  • Algernon creates an imaginary invalid friend named "Mr. Bunbury," who supposedly lives in the country and frequently falls ill.

  • Whenever Algernon wants to escape a dull dinner party or social event, he claims that he must go "Bunburying"—meaning he has to visit his sick friend.

  • This allows him to live a double life, much like Jack does with his "Ernest" persona.

The Concept of "Bunburying"

  • "Bunburying" becomes a term for leading a double life or avoiding social responsibilities through deception.

  • Algernon even tells Jack:
    "You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose."

  • This highlights Wilde’s satire on Victorian society, where people maintain appearances while secretly breaking social norms.


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