Lady Bracknell. Pardon me, you are not engaged to
any one. When you do become engaged to some one, I, or
your father, should his health permit him, will inform you
of the fact. An engagement should come on a young girl
as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may
be. It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to
arrange for herself... And now I have a few questions to
put to you, Mr. Worthing. While I am making these
inquiries, you, Gwendolen, will wait for me below in the
carriage.
-The Importance of Being Earnest,
Oscar Wilde
Which feature of a comedy of manners is present in the
passage?
- an emphasis on appearances over morality
- a commentary on marriage
- the differences between country and city life