If there is one thing history has surely taught man, it is that society, or in other words one’s surroundings and upbringing, has influenced the way people go about their daily lives. Whether it is members of the government or political parties, businessmen/business women, military leaders, teachers, parents, the average Joe and oneself, all have consciously or unconsciously succumbed to the societal pressures and expectations of society. The way we go about our everyday lives, the legislation set forth by the government, the values that political parties standby, among others, are all carried out with society’s beliefs and standards in mind. Yet, very few have dared to challenge society, and have done so successfully, such as Oscar Wilde in arguably his most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde makes a mockery of Victorian society in his play and questions social norms and values on marriage, gender roles and stereotypes. Firstly, through the characters of Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing, Wilde toys with gender stereotypes. As Victorian men, it was unusual for men to have interests or behavior that was often associated with Victorian women. For instance, in the play, Algernon spent extravagant amounts of money on clothes and other luxuries, which was behavior often associated with women at the time. He also spent …show more content…
Another example of this questioning is through the character of Cecily and her “masculine” behavior because in the play, she enjoys going on long walks. However, in the 2002 film adaption, her daydreaming is over-exaggerated and is emphasized on more than her strolls around the countryside property as well as her tutoring lessons. In Victorian society, having a hobby or interest was seen as a more masculine activity while daydreaming or fantasizing a more feminine