Question

read paragraph 23.
\23 gwendolen: examines diary through her lorgnette carefully. it is certainly very curious, for he asked me to be his wife yesterday afternoon at 5.30...\
how does the phrase \it is certainly very curious\ contribute to the absurd mood of the passage? (r.3.1)
a. it reveals gwendolens innocence and desire to fit into societal norms.
b. it emphasizes the excitement of both women and emphasizes their friendship.
c. it highlights gwendolens disbelief and understates the severity of the situation.
d. it conveys the shock that both women are experiencing and exaggerates their reactions

Explanation:

In Oscar Wilde's work (the context of Gwendolen), the absurdity comes from the mismatch between the serious situation (being proposed to, likely part of a tangled, farcical romantic mix-up) and the understated, mild reaction. The phrase "it is certainly very curious" is a calm, understated response to a situation that would typically elicit stronger emotion, which highlights disbelief while downplaying the severity of the romantic confusion, creating an absurd tone. Option A is incorrect as it does not relate to innocence or societal norms. Option B is wrong because the phrase only reflects Gwendolen's reaction, not both women's excitement or friendship. Option D is incorrect because the phrase is understated, not an exaggerated reaction.

Answer:

C. It highlights Gwendolen's disbelief and understates the severity of the situation.