1. The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
Victorian Era Background Information

2. Important aspects from your reading…
Male & female roles were clearly defined and passed on to children
Men were gentlemen, practiced chivalry and were gallant
Women were ladies, poised, courted and their main goal was to marry (up if possible)

3. Common courtesy was expected by all
Politeness and etiquette were taught to children
Life centered on tradition, ritual, and regularity

4. Women, for example…
…wore gloves and their fashion reflected their taste/money
…had to cover their legs and most of their arms so as not to arouse men
…needed to be escorted at all times
…would never adjust make-up or hair in public
…always acted pleasant, quiet, pure, innocent, stayed at home, act as a perfect accessory for their husband

5. Men, for example… …were expected to act in bravery, protecting women
…work hard and earn a good living, serve as the head of the household
…fight for their women and country
…keep private affairs separate from their public self

6. Socially elite vs the common man (the arising of the middle class)
Upper class wealth and pursuit of leisure activity bred a sterile morality
Tea was often served to elite guests
Piety, hypocrisy and prudishness were part of society

7. Aesthetic: A branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste: Beauty.
Aesthetes: Love beauty, brilliantly witty, avoid work at all costs, and prize appearance above all else.
These are Jack, Algernon, Gwendolyn and Cecily.
Non-Aesthetes: No sense of delicate beauty and they have to work very hard.
These are Miss Prism, Dr. Chasuble, and Merriman
Exceptions: Lady Bracknell is a woman of great status and can overpower anyone. Lane is a servant that can keep up with the wit and has a sense of style.