Read the excerpt from Act II of The Importance of
Being Earnest
Gwendolen. [Quite politely, rising.] My darling Cecily, I
think there must be some slight error. Mr. Ernest
Worthing is engaged to me. The announcement will
appear in the Morning Post on Saturday at the latest
How does the use of the understatement in the excerpt
affect this part of the scene?
O It creates a more serious tone by mentioning that
the engagement will appear in the newspaper.
It makes it clear that Gwendolen is not extremely
concerned with the current situation.
It heightens how ridiculous it is that two women think
they are engaged to the same man.
It heightens Cecily's outrage at Gwendolen for
thinking she is engaged to Ernest Worthing.