The Intricacies of Victorian Society in Literature
How it works
The Victorian Era is often remembered as a period characterized by class distinctions, societal structures, and the institution of matrimony. Spanning from 1835 to 1900, this era was marked by significant social transformations. The society of England during this period was a tapestry of various classes, rigid rules, and distinct lifestyles. Both men and women adhered to specific etiquettes that society expected them to follow. Although this era is often regarded as respectable, it has been examined critically in numerous plays and novels, some of which either agree or disagree with its societal ideals.
Literature, by its nature, is a timeless medium that explores and elaborates on various subjects, irrespective of prevailing opinions. In the play "The Importance of Being Earnest," Oscar Wilde employs satire to expose the enduring structure of Victorian society. He introduces two main characters, Jack and Algernon, who embody contrasting beliefs and perspectives on societal norms. Wilde cleverly uses these characters as foils to highlight the contradictions within Victorian society. While Wilde respects the era's defining aspects, he presents his critique through the lens of satire.
Contents
The Role of Satire in Critique
In Wilde's play, the differences between the behavior of the upper and lower classes are starkly revealed. The upper class is depicted as proud and pretentious, assuming an inherent entitlement to their wealth and elevated social status. Wilde satirizes the Victorian social structure by highlighting the superficial foundations of relationships based on money, lineage, and status. Algernon, one of the protagonists, exemplifies this critique with his belief that the lower class's purpose is to set moral examples for the aristocracy. This is humorously illustrated when Algernon remarks, “Lane’s views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility” (Wilde 17).
Algernon’s perspective underscores the hypocrisy of the aristocracy, where despite acknowledging its moral corruption, he remains complicit. The social status of the Victorian era was distinctly stratified, with the upper class characterized by wealth and intellect. Yet, as the novel "Social Transformations of the Victorian Age" by Escott suggests, there was a lack of respect for the aristocracy of wealth compared to that of birth and intellect. Escott states, “I respect the aristocracy of birth and of intellect, I do not respect the aristocracy of wealth” (Escott 13). This indicates a societal tension where the principles of birthright and affluence were often at odds with one another.
In Wilde’s play, the themes of marriage and social class are intricately interwoven. Algernon and Jack debate the merits and pitfalls of marriage, with Algernon warning that matrimonial ties often lead to a diminished social standing. He cynically observes, “…Is marriage so demoralizing as that…I have often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first-rate brand” (Wilde 253). This statement satirically critiques the restrictive nature of marriage, implying that it leads to a duller lifestyle regardless of the social status one marries into. Algernon’s commentary on champagne further foreshadows the challenges Jack might face in his pursuit of marriage to Gwendolen.
Escott, in "Transformations in the Victorian Era," further reinforces these societal expectations by stating, “In the Victorian era women were to get married to a man of the same or a better social status” (Escott 13). This expectation placed immense pressure on women to marry strategically, often prioritizing financial stability and social elevation over personal choice. In Wilde’s play, Algernon’s quip about women having a mission reflects a societal belief that women were expected to fulfill certain roles within the domestic sphere. Algernon’s statement, “I beg your pardon, but I thought that every woman had a mission of some kind, nowadays” (Wilde 38), humorously critiques the limited scope of women’s roles during the Victorian Era.
The Victorian Era also grappled with religious and moral paradoxes, as depicted in Wilde’s play. The primitive church, with its opposition to matrimony, symbolized a countercultural stance against societal norms. Wilde’s reference, “The precept as well as the practice of the primitive church was distinctly against matrimony” (Wilde 40), underscores the tension between religious beliefs and societal expectations. The societal stereotype of the Victorian Age suggested that men and women should remain single, a belief that challenged the era’s obsession with social order and hierarchy.
Furthermore, as Houghton discusses in "The Victorian Frame of Mind: 1830-1870," the societal pressure to maintain appearances often led individuals to compromise personal integrity for social acceptance. Houghton states, “They know they are sinning, they know – or should know – that they are increasing the demand for the supply of instant pleasure…but do not dare offend their family, alienate their friends, and lose their social position by making what the world calls an imprudent marriage…The law of society contradicts the law of God” (Houghton 385). This highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals striving to uphold societal expectations while grappling with personal desires.
Wilde’s use of satire in "The Importance of Being Earnest" extends to the portrayal of characters like Algernon, who exemplifies the contradictions within Victorian society. Algernon’s assertion, “My duty as a gentleman has never interfered with my pleasures in the smallest degree,” reveals his self-serving nature and highlights the era’s emphasis on appearances over substance. Wilde uses Algernon as a satirical device to expose the moral hypocrisy of the upper class, illustrating that their so-called chivalry often masked self-indulgence.
In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" serves as a satirical critique of Victorian society, shedding light on its complexities through the lens of marriage, social class, and moral hypocrisy. By employing satire, Wilde not only entertains but also provokes thought about the enduring societal norms that continue to shape human behavior. The Victorian Age, with its rigid hierarchies and expectations, remains a fascinating subject for exploration, offering valuable insights into the human condition and the intricate web of societal influences that define our lives.
The Intricacies of Victorian Society in Literature. (2021, Apr 10). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-era-of-class-and-play-of-satire/
