Oscar Wilde's plays are characterized by satirical wit that exposes and derides the norms, values and believes of Victorian society. Although it could be argued that his comedies were mainly designed to amuse the aristocratic audience, his characters challenge the dominate gender roles in a revolutionary way. In her article "Gender roles in the 19th century," Kathryn Hughes explains, that "during the Victorian period men and women's roles became more sharply defined than at any time in history." It can be said that the clear division of two gender roles is created by a social system and the prevailing cultural beliefs of a society.
Table of Contents
- Gender Roles and Female Power in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest
- The Victorian Society
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- Lady Bracknell
- Gwendolen Fairfax
- Cecily Cardew
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes the portrayal of gender roles and female power in Oscar Wilde's play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," examining how Wilde both reinforces and subverts Victorian gender stereotypes. The essay focuses on the female characters, exploring their roles in the social hierarchy and their agency within the play's context.
- The interplay between traditional Victorian gender norms and their subversion in the play
- The power dynamics between men and women as depicted through the characters
- The influence of social expectations on the characters' actions and beliefs
- The use of satire to expose the hypocrisy of Victorian society
- The question of whether the play ultimately reinforces or challenges traditional gender roles
Chapter Summaries
- This chapter introduces the play's context and discusses the sharp division of gender roles in Victorian society. It highlights Wilde's subversion of traditional norms through his characters.
- This chapter delves into the social and cultural landscape of Victorian England, outlining the expectations placed upon women and the role of marriage in shaping gender roles.
- This chapter analyzes the character of Lady Bracknell, focusing on her power, her views on social standing and marriage, and her defiance of traditional Victorian feminine ideals.
- This chapter examines the characters of Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, exploring their similarities and differences, their ambitions, and their unique expressions of female agency.
Keywords
This essay explores key concepts including Victorian gender roles, female power, satire, gender parody, social expectations, power dynamics, marriage, and the subversion of traditional norms. It delves into the themes of conformity and resistance within the context of Victorian society and the play's representation of female identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Oscar Wilde portray gender roles in "The Importance of Being Earnest"?
Wilde uses satirical wit to both reinforce and subvert Victorian gender stereotypes, often giving female characters more agency and power than was typical for the period.
What makes Lady Bracknell a significant character regarding female power?
Lady Bracknell defies traditional Victorian feminine ideals by exercising absolute authority over her family and social circle, particularly in matters of marriage and social standing.
What were the gender expectations in Victorian society?
In the Victorian era, roles were sharply defined: men belonged to the public sphere of work and politics, while women were expected to occupy the private domestic sphere.
How do Gwendolen and Cecily express their agency?
Both characters show agency by having clear ambitions and specific requirements for their future husbands, often manipulating social situations to achieve their goals.
Does the play ultimately challenge or reinforce social norms?
The essay explores this duality, suggesting that while the play mocks the hypocrisy of social norms through satire, it also highlights the difficulty of truly escaping them.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, Gender Roles and Female Power in Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/534878
