Lady Bracknell The Importance Of Being Earnest

Today’s society is absorbed in the misconception of what it means to be a woman. In society’s opinion, women run the household, exert slight dominance, and generally are expected to be submissive. Societal expectations have created a social standard that women conform to, which has created an image that may conceal who they truly are or who they want to be. The desire for a formidable reputation, a theme exemplified in the play The Importance of Being Earnest, is an important conception when trying to understand the status of self-image and why women want to be portrayed in a specific manner. Lady Bracknell is a prominent character in The Importance of Being Earnest who is extremely critical of her reputation and how she is regarded by others. The way in which she discusses affluence and the luxurious life she lives shows she has little

Lady Bracknell displays her conceited attitude by explaining to Jack that Gwendolen is ‘too good’ for the country side. In her cruel mind, Lady Bracknell sees the country as insulting, which reflects the idea that she cares immensely about her reputation. If her comrades saw that Gwendolen lived in the country side, it would be unfavorable to her societal image. Additionally, in the Victorian era, women had to watch the way they publicly flirted with men to avoid a detrimental blow to their reputation. Algernon states, “My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you.” (Wilde 3). As if flirting with a single man doesn’t look bad enough, Gwendolen could ruin her reputation by simply portraying herself in a manner like a whore. She is careful when conversing with Jack because she knows what the consequences could do to her societal image, ruining any chance she potentially has for social