Victorian Era The Upper Classes English Literature Essay

In Wildes plays the importance of each characters morality and ideology is dependent on their tainted pasts. In A Woman of No Importance a past affair that resulted in an illegitimate child is revealed, the discovery and aftermath upon which Wilde bases his entire play. The past constantly remains in the characters’ consciousness, and thus also in the reader’s. The perception of forgiveness is also explored, not only in this play but in An Ideal Husband where Sir Robert Chiltern is blackmailed on account of selling state secrets to advance in his career:

Even you are not rich enough, Sir Robert, to buy back your past. No man is. [1] 

The past is a continuous threat for all the characters and greatly influences their present lives. Similarly, Lady Chiltern labels Mrs. Cheveley deceitful and devious as a result of her thieving nature when she was younger; believing that the past defines a person, and reveals their true character. Initially Jacks past in The Importance of Being Earnest is unknown and it is not until the final act that the audience discover his true identity, allowing him to proceed with his engagement to Gwendolen. Through this, Wilde demonstrates that embracing your past is the only way that you will be able to continue leading your life without living in constant fear of being exposed.

In the opening act of A Woman of No Importance the audience is presented with a formal garden setting, where Lady Hunstantons guests are relaxing; their leisurely, meaningless dialogue expressing the idleness of the upper classes while demonstrating the plays naturalistic traits. The serene atmosphere, however, is not prolonged due to the clash between European sophistication and American innocence-as represented by Hester. The English with their domineering aristocratic values contrasts with America, the largest country in the world, of which Hester suggests the masses have influence with regard to the development of its land. Hesters candour dramatically differs from Lady Carolines hypocrisy, illustrating the varying ideologies under which the two women have been raised. The upper class Englishwoman has had extensive experience in the social conventions and acceptable behaviour of society and so, comprehends that frankness is not a valued quality. Hester embodies the characteristics of a ‘New Woman; prosperous, self reliant and liberated, yet her isolation as a result of being so direct and breaking the code of manners makes her the most vulnerable figure on stage. Hesters patronizing moral attitude comes across strongly when she contrasts England with Americas democracy, however, she is undercut by Lady Hunstanton who degrades women by suggesting that they are simply allowed to have such ideas as long as they remain well presented-you looked very pretty while you said it which is much more important. Hester is offered the opportunity to recover such etiquette, yet refuses it, and the code of politeness is then employed against her to punish her. Wilde also explores the concept of maintained decorum in challenging circumstances in The Importance of Being Earnest when Cecily and Gwendolen are unable to insult each other explicitly:

Oh, flowers are as common here, Miss Fairfax, as people are in London [2] 

With the entrance of the servants, hostilities appear suspended due to the rigid rules of conduct of how to behave in front of the family servants. The formality and exaggerated good manners between the two women is demonstrated thought the repetitive use of their formal titles; Miss Fairfax and Miss Cardew. Although the two young women say nothing unconventional, only on the surface is it polite; they continue to goad each other without breaking out into open insult. The pun of the flowers as being ‘common as people are in London hints at the unrefined members of urban society, Gwendolen belonging to such a group.

Victorian society maintained high class decorum with etiquette and customs a primary sanction within social situations. As a result, Wilde uses the symbol of ‘masks in all three plays to demonstrate the significance of withholding your true emotions. A prime example from The Importance of Being Earnest would be Cecily and Gwendolens altercation from which there could be no direct confrontation. The shallow mask of manners slips and Cecily is in danger of breaking the social convention under which both young ladies have been brought up, representing the failure of upper class manners. In A Woman of No Importance Mrs Arbuthnot describes herself as a woman who wears a mask, like a thing that is a leper. Previously represented as a selfless, charitable woman, Mrs Arbuthnot now depicts herself as a social outcast, whereby Wilde demonstrates that lies do not remain hidden and will ultimately be exposed. The play An Ideal Husband highlights the theme of social behaviour expertly. In the opening act, the audience watched the exclusive members of London society, observing their various performances in different social circles. Consequently, Mrs Cheveley, in a conversation with Sir Robert, observes that within such a society no one is fully being themselves, and so should be regarded with caution:

Sir Robert: …are you an optimist or a pessimist? Those seem to be the only fashionable religions left to us

Mrs Cheveley: Oh I am neither. Besides they are both merely poses

Sir Robert: So you prefer to be natural?

Mrs Cheveley: Sometimes. But it is such a very difficult pose to keep up [3] 

Wildes opinion that politics is a career made from deception and masks is made clear through Sir Roberts conduct in his speeches and political philosophy. Here, Wilde demonstrates the distinct parallels London society has with the theatre, where each character is in a disguise; Lady Markby accurately notes that everybody turns out to be somebody else. As the play unravels it transpires that even within the Chilterns marriage, a mask had been donned. The climax of the act occurs as Sir Roberts disgraced past is discovered, forcing Lady Chiltern to re-examine her husband and unearthing a completely new person:

What mask have you been wearing all these years? [4] 

As well as this thematic development, as a result of Sir Roberts unmasking, his social face is destroyed and the image as a moral public figure and husband is at risk of being ripped to shreds. Sir Robert, however, is not the sole character whose mask slips; the villainess, Mrs Cheveley, is unmasked as a monster. As she is cornered by Lord Goring for her theft of a diamond and ruby brooch, Mrs Cheveley descends into a paroxysm of rage, with inarticulate sounds. Her muteness is a mirror of the panic she feels and in that instant her beauty and intellect are washed away, displaying her true evil; her mask has fallen and she becomes dreadful to look at.

Through the use of the after dinner ritual of gender separation in A Woman of No Importance Wilde portrays how the difference in social behaviour is affected by the segregation of the sexes. The tone of the play drastically alters and the women are almost emancipated; they converse bluntly about a range of subjects that would have been off limits in the presence of men, demonstrating the power struggle between the sexes. These three plays ponder the dynamics of relationships, here however, Mr Allonby classes such relationship in terms of possession and Lady Caroline believing that marriage should be used to maintain a firm hold over their men and keep them in their proper place. However, in Behrendts studies of Oscar Wilde [5] , she concludes that Wilde considers the notion that a man is a womans livelihood, a factor which makes women entirely dependent upon men and, in essence, a mans property. Wilde uses the Archdeacon as a counterpoint to this theme, his wifes exaggerated illnesses provides a comic interlude while also forcing the audience to question which one of the couple is implementing influence over the other:

Her deafness is a great privation to her. She cant hear any of my sermons now [6] 

Wilde portrays the varying degrees of control that the sexes hold over one another; a wife exploiting her condition in order to gain freedom from her ‘loving husband, while he utilizes this independence as an opportunity to socialise alone. Wilde continues with this concept in the second act which opens with the women in the drawing room, detached from the mens company, with the separation technique not only generating a period of intimacy and confidentiality but also allowing the upper class members of the audience to be able to associate themselves with the characters. The conversations become slightly more risqué, with Wilde testing the censor; the sexual tension radiates from stage with Mrs Allonbys innuendo about the size and shape of Ernests chin suggesting that the women are hinting about the males sexual incompetence. Wilde uses the character of Mrs Cheveley in An Ideal Husband to reveal the sexual discrimination that was at play in Victorian society. For a ruthless, manipulative woman such as Mrs Cheveley, her sex is an obstruction to her desires; her own traits are associated with a mans:

In the case of very fascinating women, sex is a challenge not a defence [7] 

Mrs Cheveleys resolution is undeniably solid; she is willing to marry Lord Goring in order to get what she wants. With Mrs Cheveley, here, identified with masculine principles, Gorings dandified character is often associated with the feminine attributes. Goring himself is crafty, unethical, deceitful and has an ostentatious fashion sense; much like Mrs Cheveley. Wilde often used such characters in his plays, the dandy standing in rebellion to the strong family and moral values of the Victorian period. Behrendt illustrates Wildes opinion of the station of the sexes through Lord Illingworth in ‘A Woman of No Importance stating that it is his intellectually, as well as his gender that distinguishes him from the other wits of the play who are notably female and intellectually inferior. Wilde believes that the dandy world is one which repudiates the influence and tyranny of woman, and one, therefore in which the male intellect is free. While the dandy sees women as mindless, he sees himself as the embodiment of intellectual perception [8] . Dandyism was the celebration of all things shallow and self centred, focusing on style of fashion and speech. In A Woman of No Importance Lord Illingworth maintains that society is moving forward and the future belongs to the dandy due to his skill of being able to dominate a London dinner table.

Wilde often empathises with the lower classes, as seen through his treatment of the servants in both The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband. As the servants are clearly in an inferior position to their masters, they obey their commands yet Wilde uses language to put them on par in terms of equality of wit. In The Importance of Being Earnest, Algernons servant, Lane, conducts his responsibilities to a high standard, passing no judgement on his masters lifestyle and stating that he didnt find it polite to listen to the music. The implicit critique of his masters musical ability tapers the social gap between them. Albeit Lane has a trivial role in the play, yet effectively fashions the tenor and social context of the play. Thereby, the play cannot be taken earnestly given the class equality between the servants and their masters. Wilde portrays the importance placed upon class structure in An Ideal Husband through Lord Goring and his ideal butler Phipps, who epitomizes the dominance of form, generating a particular dead pan humour that involves such an expressionless, impassive character. Lord Gorings epigrams display his egotism clearly in this scene, with Phippss repeated Yes, my lord highlighting the indifference he feels towards his masters thoughts.

Lord Goring: Fashion is what one wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear.

Phipps: Yes, my lord.

Lord Goring: Just as vulgarity is simply the conduct of other people.

Phipps: Yes, my lord. [9] 

Hence, Phipps acts as a kind of mirror to his masters vanity, which in turn, causes Lord Goring to appear to be having a one-sided conversation. Simultaneously, Phipps replicates his master deferentially, neglecting to pay attention to Lord Gorings outfit but also by stealing the last laugh of the scene at his masters expense. By pronouncing that the lower classes are extremely fortunate in losing their families, the dig at Lord Gorings overbearing father is hard to miss. This somewhat rude remark made by a servant, demonstrates to the audience that such lower classes have the wit and intellect to compete with the rich, and thereby should be given an opportunity to better themselves. Wilde enables the lower class members of his audience to glimpse at the upper classes lifestyle. As one critic acknowledges their interest in learning that ladies of the title specially affect cucumber sandwiches at five oclock teas, that to take sugar is now considered in smart society quite unfashionable, and that cake is never seen on the tea tables of really stylish families. [10] 

Wildes plays often focused on the concept of relationships; affairs, courting and marriage play a key in role each one, however, it becomes apparent that within this Victorian period, sexual double standards and hypocrisy are just as significant. In A Woman of No Importance it is clear that there is a great inequality between the sexes; womens sexual code is aptly depicted as playing with fire, a dangerous activity, that could consequently result in a life being destroyed. Females are ultimately regarded as inferior to men, and are in many cases, treated unjustly in concern to sexual conduct:

The world was made for men and not for women

Let all women who have sinned be punished [11] 

With sex outside wedlock considered sinful, Wilde portrays the issue that women endure a more severe punishment if any sexual misdemeanours have visible consequences through the character of Mrs Arbuthnot, whose penance for her own illegitimate child have cast her as a lost soul. Wilde presents Mrs Arbuthnots character as overly emphatic which forces the audience to maintain a cynical view of her situation. Critic William Archer suggests that her dramatic outbursts of bearing such a cross is a ‘mere empty phrase making and believes that she has suffered from a stubborn determination to be unhappy, for which Lord Illingworth can scarcely be blamed. [12] It appears that even the critics of that time express the same feelings towards a tainted woman, causing the audience to question the justness of such an ideology. Throughout the play there is an undeniable appeal for the audience to recognize the predicament of the fallen women even though society at that time disregarded such compassion and demanded that a womens reputation must remain pure. With regards to marriage, An Ideal Husband adopts the themes of undying love, forgiveness and devotion and satirizes them with its immoral and dandified characters. In the instance of Lady Chiltern, her marital life is based on worship and not reality, placing her husband on a monstrous pedestal upon which he is faultless; this love can be regarded as feminine. As the play unravels, Lady Chilterns unreasonable love for her husband spells disaster as Sir Roberts secret is exposed. The masculine marital love that is identified with Lord Goring and Sir Robert is altogether more realistic and less judgmental; a husband loves his wife and each one of her imperfections; his love consists of compassion and forgiveness. Therefore, the play requires the alteration of the womans excessive romanticizing and morally rigid love in order for her to absolve her husbands sins:

“Pardon, not punishment, is [women’s] mission” [13] 

For the first time, Lady Chiltern is expected to assume the role of a conventional Victorian woman and forgive her husbands flaws. As the restoration of a contented marital household is concluded in Act four, all is well again. Sir Roberts public image is preserved, his career remains unblemished and he even gains a seat in the Cabinet. Wilde explores the idea that although your past has the power to ruin, it is not the sole option. In any case, Sir Robert does not pay for his mistakes; his marriage becomes stronger as a result of Mrs Cheveleys attempts to destroy it, he progresses in his profession and is still seen to be morally incapable of anything disreputable. Having witnessed firsthand the dangers of an ‘ideal husband, Lord Goring and Mabel Chilterns intended marriage serves as a counterpoint to the Chilterns, stating that the ideal husband sounds like something in the next world and instead, promises to be a real wife to Goring. Throughout the play, both Lord Goring and Mabel have indeed assumed an unethical front, scoffing at the importance placed on duty and respectability; Goring, with regard to the altercations with his father and Mabel with her many witticisms, which read literally, hints that the philosophy of the young couple rests ultimately on their reluctance to do what is expected of them. With the curtain falling on the two blissful couples, Wilde suggests that without the ability to accept your partners mistakes, the relationship is not robust, and thereby will not withstand such a potent threat. In The Importance of Being Earnest however, the obstacle between the young lovers lies in Jacks unaccountable parents, revealing the rigid view of upper class families who believed that advancement within society should dictate any romantic feelings:

You can hardly imagine that I and Lord Bracknell would dream of allowing our only daughter…to marry into a cloakroom and form an alliance with a parcel? [14] 

The audience undoubtedly find Lady Bracknells melodramatic speech comical, yet it is evident that she will not allow the union to ensue unless Jack acquires some relations. It is only when Jacks true identity is discovered, uncovering a strong bloodline, that Lady Bracknell consents the marriage of him and her daughter. With Lady Bracknell appeased with Jacks income and background, she then casts her eye to the other young couple on the scene; Algernon and Cecily. Given Cecilys palpable good looks, ample funds and respectable connections Lady Bracknell accepts the proposal with alacrity. This idea of marrying for self interest is also pondered in An Ideal Husband with Mrs Cheveleys belief that romance should never begin with sentiment. It should begin with science and end with a settlement.

With Victorian society fixated on the concept of masculinity and femininity, Wilde delves into the notion of the reversal of the power between the sexes, with women taking control over men. In The Importance of Being Earnest there is a direct realigning of the traditional power relations with Lady Bracknell being a prime example. The female characters repeatedly exhibit a power over the males; this masculine power forcing the male characters into an effeminate role. Lady Bracknells interrogation of Jack is a satire of the classic enquiries a father would normally ask a young, upper class suitor seeking to marry their daughter. As it is Lady Bracknell and not Lord Bracknell seeking out the intentions of Jack, it creates a comic interlude, easing the tension on stage between Jack and his soon to be mother-in-law. The play is set in the Age of the Empire, a period where a model man was one of great influence and strength. Wilde however, knocks this stereotype on its head by presenting this masculine power as the women of the play. Lady Bracknells speeches are all very controlled and concise, ensuring that she holds both the audience and the other characters on stage under her command:

Illness of any kind is hardly to be encouraged in others. I am always telling that to your poor uncle, but he never seems to take much notice…as far as any improvement in his ailments goes [15] 

Lady Bracknells misconception of the basis for ill health on the grounds that it is a moral question receptive to personal choice as opposed to a dictated physical condition, under which the invalid has no control; again comically highlights her formidable character. Lord Bracknells infirmity thereby signifies an overturn of the belief of feminine frailty and suggests the domination of his intimidating wife. Nevertheless, Lady Bracknell is not the only female exhibiting authority over the male character; both Cecily and Gwendolen persuade their lovers to get baptised in order to prove their love:

Gwendolen and Cecily (speaking together): Your Christian names are still and insuperable barrier

Jack and Algernon (speaking together): Our Christian names! Is that all? But we are going to be christened this afternoon [16] 

As the women have teamed up against the men, Wilde demonstrates the collective hold that Cecily and Gwendolen possess over Jack and Algernon. Their skilful approach at ensuring that they are served properly illustrates the cynical side to a woman; her desires come first and that their men have to, at times, go to extreme lengths to keep them satisfied. Wilde additionally deals with the subject of a womans role in his play A Woman of No Importance where at the end of the play, the active roles traditionally played by a man in a romantic comedy are in fact played by a female. All of the barriers have eventually been removed, and the young couple are ready to elope, however, it is usually the father who hands over his daughter, yet instead it is Mrs Arbuthnot who presents Hester to her son. As seen, Wilde places a great deal of importance on the status of women in his plays, comprehending that times were changing and understanding that his audience would appreciate these contemporary details. Critic William Archer highlights Wildes use of farce in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest which imitates nothing, represents nothing, means nothing, is nothing, except a sort of rondo capriccioso, in which the artists fingers run with crisp irresponsibility up and down the keyboard of life [17] . As the entire play is set in a farcical tone, it suggests to the audience that perhaps the concept of such female authority is not to be taken seriously.

The Victorian period was a time of great change for women and so, Wilde incorporates the ‘new woman into his works, through the characters of Hester and Lady Chiltern. Nevertheless, in Wildes A Woman of No Importance the upper class women seem to have no interest in the liberty Hester exudes, which is perhaps the reason that these women find the ‘puritan woman so irritating. The conservative Lady Markby in An Ideal Husband warns Mabel and Lady Chiltern about the dangers of modernity, suggesting that such change was likely to grow old fashioned quite suddenly. Wilde observes modernity continuously during his play, often linking it to the wrongdoings within society. Markedly, Sir Robert believes that present day affluence is fabricated on classified information, thereby arguing for the inevitability of political corruption. The collective distrust of modernity hints at a social weakness of an incapacity to undertake change. Wilde explores the role of women in society; regarded as greatly intricate beings, the play produces a number of mixed attitudes in their regard. Mrs Cheveley deems women to be an aesthetic object, and while men can be analysed, women…merely adored. She believes that, here rests females power; their beauty and irrationality forming a deadly combination. Given the period in which the play was written, there would have been various opinions on the advancement of women in society. The conservative, Mrs Markby complains about the varying degrees of change in society, while slating her own husband in the process:

…this horrid House of Commons quite ruins our husbands for us…by far the greatest blow to a happy married life that there has been since that terrible things called the Higher Education of Women… [18] 

As the audience has only just witnessed the entrance of Lady Chiltern coming from the Womens Liberal Association, a sharp intake of breathe ensues. Carefully disagreeing, she explains that in the past, although women were taught, they learned nothing of substance. The ‘new woman embodies an ideal wife, encompasses knowledge and so is actively involved in public and political affairs.

Wildes three plays; A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest explore the various conflicts that existed within Victorian society while maintaining a comedic tone throughout, lightening the mood of such serious issues. Through a range of theatrical techniques, the audience gains a deeper understanding of the social expectancies by which the characters must abide, their intricate code of manners pulled apart and examined. Thereby, Wildes focus on relationships ultimately highlights the array of issues each gender has to endure.

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