by Oscar Wilde
ALGERNON. What shall we do after dinner? Go to a theatre?
JACK. Oh no! I loathe listening.
ALGERNON. Well, let us go to the Club?
JACK. Oh, no! I hate talking.
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Question
Use the excerpt from “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde to answer the question.
Which part of the text is an example of literary paradox?
(1 point)
Responses
Algernon says he doesn't mind hard work when there is no "definite object," which would take away all rigor involved.
Algernon says he doesn't mind hard work when there is no "definite object," which would take away all rigor involved.
Algernon refers to doing nothing as "awfully hard work," when doing hard work involves doing something.
Algernon refers to doing nothing as "awfully hard work," when doing hard work involves doing something.
Jack says that he does not like listening or talking, even though he is doing both in his conversation with Algernon.
Jack says that he does not like listening or talking, even though he is doing both in his conversation with Algernon.
Jack believes that looking at things is "silly," even though it is necessary to do just to get around.
Jack believes that looking at things is "silly," even though it is necessary to do just to get around.
1 answer
The correct example of literary paradox from the options provided is:
Jack says that he does not like listening or talking, even though he is doing both in his conversation with Algernon.
This statement reflects a paradox because Jack claims to dislike listening and talking, yet he is actively engaged in a conversation, which involves both.
