Question

In The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde repeatedly uses the term ‘Bunbury’. It refers to the ________

• A. witty act of Jack Worthing to invent a fictional brother
• B. queer strategy of coding transgressive sexual desire
• C. invention of new bread making technique
• D. stance of Wilde on the role of criticism

Hint:

In Wilde's works, the use of fictitious characters, like Bunbury, serves as a satire of the conventions of Victorian society, revealing the absurdity of social roles and expectations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

Step 1: Analyzing the context.
In Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest, the term "Bunbury" is used as a fictional character invented by Jack Worthing. Jack uses Bunbury as an excuse to escape from his responsibilities and live a double life. This clever use of a fabricated character reflects Wilde's satirical approach to societal conventions. 
Step 2: Explanation of the options.
(A) is correct because Jack Worthing creates the fictional character Bunbury as a witty excuse to live a double life, which is central to the plot of the play.
(B) is also correct because Wilde often used coded language and devices in his works, and Bunbury could be interpreted as a queer strategy that challenges societal expectations regarding sexuality.
(C) is incorrect because Bunbury is not related to bread-making techniques.
(D) is incorrect because the term "Bunbury" is not related to Wilde's stance on criticism.