Victorian Research/Importance of Being Earnest

Doing the research on the Victorian era prior to reading The Importance of Being Earnest has helped my understanding of the plot and characters immensely. One way it has enhanced my understanding is with females' role in society. One example of this is where Gwendolyn says "Ernest, we may never be married. From the expression on my mother's face I fear we never shall." (p53) This shows how younger women were bossed around by their moms or their husbands. In fact, all of a wife's possessions go to the husband when they are married.

Another way doing research on the Victorian era has helped me is by understanding why they talk about the things they do, and what they find important. Jack was saying "Well, yes, I must admit I smoke." and Lady Bracknell responded "I am glad to hear it." (p47) What the people back then considered important is way different than it is now, with things such as moral values, etc. Some things considered important for marriage were smoking, ancestry, and wealth, not as much whether you really loved the person or not. My knowledge of the Victorian era coming into reading the play has made everything from clothing to marriage easier to understand.