Through the use of characterization and absurd language, Wilde mocks the value given to social institutions in the Victorian upper-class society. Specifically, he satirizes the socially constructed role of the family, religion and marriage.
Lady Bracknell’s characterization and Jack’s family story satire the importance of the family and its respectability in the Victorian era.
Lady Bracknell’s authoritative attitude towards Gwendolyn and Algernon shows the prominent place of the family had in an individual’s life.
The reactions of all the characters of the play to the revelation of Jack’s origins, as well as Lady Bracknell’s initial opinion of him based on his lack of a respectable family, prove how important this was considered.
The institution of religion is further parodied by the actions of Canon Chasuble, as well as Jack and Algernon’s attitude towards religious rituals. …show more content…
Jack and Algernon’s approach to christening and death shows a disregard for the religious standards of the time.
The opinions, attitudes and reactions of the main protagonists while discussing marriage are meant to show how superficial Wilde considered it to be.
Though it contrasts with his apparent romanticism, Algernon treats marriage and courtship as a business with specific rules to be followed.
Both Gwendolyn’s and Cecily’s attitude towards marriage serves to emphasize how the Victorian upper-class focused on trivial and vain matters.
Wilde’s characters, through their actions and speech, satire the Victorian upper-class society and its institutions. As aforementioned, this caricature focuses on the importance of family, religion and
Lady Bracknell’s characterization and Jack’s family story satire the importance of the family and its respectability in the Victorian era.
Lady Bracknell’s authoritative attitude towards Gwendolyn and Algernon shows the prominent place of the family had in an individual’s life.
The reactions of all the characters of the play to the revelation of Jack’s origins, as well as Lady Bracknell’s initial opinion of him based on his lack of a respectable family, prove how important this was considered.
The institution of religion is further parodied by the actions of Canon Chasuble, as well as Jack and Algernon’s attitude towards religious rituals. …show more content…
Jack and Algernon’s approach to christening and death shows a disregard for the religious standards of the time.
The opinions, attitudes and reactions of the main protagonists while discussing marriage are meant to show how superficial Wilde considered it to be.
Though it contrasts with his apparent romanticism, Algernon treats marriage and courtship as a business with specific rules to be followed.
Both Gwendolyn’s and Cecily’s attitude towards marriage serves to emphasize how the Victorian upper-class focused on trivial and vain matters.
Wilde’s characters, through their actions and speech, satire the Victorian upper-class society and its institutions. As aforementioned, this caricature focuses on the importance of family, religion and