Question

read the excerpt from act iii of the importance of being earnest
cecily, gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable. mr. moncrieff, kindly answer me the following question: why did you pretend to be my guardian’s brother?
algernon: in order that i might have an opportunity of meeting you.
cecily (to gwendolen): that certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not?
gwendolen: yes, dear, if you can believe him.
cecily: i don’t. but that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.
what does this excerpt most clearly convey about cecily?
○ she values truth over creativity.
○ she values romance over truth.
○ she values logic over romance.
○ she values creativity over logic.

Explanation:

To determine what the excerpt conveys about Cecily, we analyze her response. Cecily says she doesn't believe Algernon's answer but finds the "wonderful beauty" in it. This shows she prioritizes the romantic/creative aspect of the answer over its truth or logic. Option A is wrong as she doesn't prioritize truth over creativity. Option C is wrong as she doesn't value logic over romance. Option D is wrong as the focus is on romance (the beauty of the answer for meeting her) over logic, not creativity over logic. Option B fits as she values the romantic nature of the answer (romance) over its truth (since she doesn't believe it but likes the answer's beauty).

Answer:

B. She values romance over truth.