Question

analyzing a pun
algernon. raising his hat. you are my little cousin cecily, i’m sure.
cecily. you are under some strange mistake. i am not little. in fact, i believe i am more than usually tall for my age.
—the importance of being earnest, oscar wilde
the pun in this passage relies on which two definitions of the word little?
□
arrow\
□ \younger\
□ \unimportant\
□ \brief\
□ \small in size\

Explanation:

1. First, analyze Algernon's use of "little": He likely means "younger" (referring to Cecily as a younger cousin).
2. Then, Cecily's response: She interprets "little" as "small in size" (since she says she's not little and is tall for her age).
3. The other options ("narrow", "unimportant", "brief") don't fit the context of the pun here.

Answer:

B. "younger", E. "small in size"