Read this excerpt from The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Which four sets of lines satirize the Victorians' tendency to place wealth
above other factors in deciding whether a person was eligible for marriage?
Algernon: I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell: I beg your pardon?
Cecily: Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bracknell: [With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.]
I think some preliminary inquiry on my
part would not be out of place. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all
connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I merely
desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any
families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. [Jack looks perfectly
furious, but restrains himself.]
Jack [In a clear, cold voice.] Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of
the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W: Gervase Park,
Dorking, Surrey, and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
Lady Bracknell: That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always
inspire confidence, even in tradesmen.
Jack: [Very irritably] How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell! I
have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear, certificates of
Miss Cardew's birth, baptism, whooping cough, registration, vaccination,
confirmation, and the measles, both the German and the English variety
Lady Bracknell Ah! A life crowded with incident, I see; though perhaps
somewhat too exciting for a young girl. I am not myself in favour of
premature experiences. [Rises, looks at her watch] Gwendolen! the time
approaches for our departure. We have not a moment to lose. As a matter
of form, Mr. Worthing, I had better ask you if Miss Cardew has any little
fortune?

The lines that satirize the Victorians' tendency to prioritize wealth in marriage decisions are:

1. Lady Bracknell's question about Miss Cardew's connection to railway stations implies that she values social status and connections over personal qualities.

2. Lady Bracknell's approval of three addresses as inspiring confidence, even in tradesmen, mocks the idea that multiple addresses indicate a higher social standing.

3. Jack's sarcastic response about possessing certificates of Miss Cardew's various life events like birth, baptism, and diseases pokes fun at the excessive importance placed on pedigree and documentation in determining eligibility for marriage.

4. Lady Bracknell's comment about Miss Cardew's life being too exciting for a young girl, followed by a query about her fortune, highlights the superficial nature of Lady Bracknell's considerations for marriage suitability, focusing on financial status rather than genuine compatibility or character.