Question

review the passage. the paradox is shown in bold. dumby: she doesnt really love you then? lord darlington: no, she does not! dumby: i congratulate you, my dear fellow. in this world there are only two tragedies. one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. the last is much the worst; the last is a real tragedy! but i am interested to hear she does not love you. how long could you love a woman who didnt love you, cecil? from oscar wilde, lady windermeres fan what is the effect of the paradox on the passages meaning or tone? it underscores the negative consequences of choosing partners who dont reciprocate ones feelings. it suggests that getting what you want can actually be more troublesome than not getting what you want.

Explanation:

The paradox "One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. The last is much the worst" flips the common - sense idea that getting what one wants is always good. It implies that achieving one's desire can bring more problems than not having it. This changes the tone and meaning of the passage to suggest a more complex view of human desires and their outcomes.

Answer:

It suggests that getting what you want can actually be more troublesome than not getting what you want.