Read this excerpt from The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Which four sets of lines satirize the Victorians' tendency to place wealth
above other factors in deciding whether a person was eligible for marriage?
Algernon: I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell: I beg your pardon?
Cecily: Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bracknell: [With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.]
... I think some preliminary inquiry on my
part would not be out of place. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all
connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I merely
desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any
families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. [Jack looks perfectly
furious, but restrains himself.]
Jack: [In a clear, cold voice.] Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of
the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park,
Dorking, Surrey, and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
Lady Bracknell: That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always
inspire confidence, even in tradesmen.
Jack: [Very irritably.] How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell! I
have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear, certificates of
Mine Cordon hith hantiam hannina anush ennintention unanination.