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 suggests that getting what you want can actually be more troublesome than not getting what you want.
it highlights the contrast between getting what you want and not getting what you want.
it underscores the negative consequences of choosing partners who dont reciprocate ones feelings.

Explanation:

A paradox is a statement that seems self - contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth. In this case, the paradox "One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. The last is much the worst" goes against the common assumption that getting what one wants is good. By stating that getting what one wants is a worse tragedy, it makes the reader think about the potential negative aspects of achieving desires. It's not just highlighting the contrast (which is a surface - level observation of the paradox's structure), and it's not specifically about choosing partners (the paradox is a more general statement about desires). The key is that it challenges the idea that getting what one wants is positive, suggesting there are troubles in attainment.

Answer:

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