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 highlights the contrast between getting what you want and not getting what you want.
it suggests that getting what you want can actually be more troublesome than not getting what you want.

Explanation:

The paradox is "One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it" with the claim that getting what one wants is the worse tragedy. We analyze each option:

• The first option focuses on unreciprocated feelings, which isn't the paradox's focus.
• The second option says it highlights the contrast, but the paradox emphasizes that getting what you want is worse, not just the contrast.
• The third option matches the paradox's implication that getting what you want can be more troublesome (a real tragedy) than not getting it.

Answer:

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