The Importance of Being Earnest

Questions:

How does each character mentioned in the essay reflect Victorian values? (Use evidence) 

Lady Bracknell portrays the haughty and arrogant nature that most upper middle class maintained. This is evident when she interrogates Jack in order to investigate whether he is worthy of being her son in law. She completely takes over her daughter's right in making her own choices and deciding who to be with. He compares people with other suitors based on her materialistic characteristics such as wealth and having a 'family'.

Algy and Jack put up the idea of 'being earnest' and portray how many of the characters ran behind this Victorian ideal of living an earnest life. The men indirectly aspired to be 'Earnest' and escape out to another lifestyle, believing that this is the way to approach the urban class during this time. The women in the play only loved the characters because of the name, which shows how superficial their love was and that they were simply obsessed with the ideal of living earnestly. It begs to question how it could be considered love at all, when it is not based on any physical or emotional connection, but instead of just a mere name. It also shows how the youth in the society only pursued a depthless and substance-less life.

Gwendolen displays how the etiquettes and fashion of the Victorian era was strongly followed. She listens to her mother and does not get the chance to speak against her mother's desires, even if they go against her wants or beliefs.

Lastly, Dr. Chasuble is used to satire the Victorian morality. The fact that he has a relaxed view on sermon and religious ceremonies reveals his loose connection with his moral consciousness despite supposedly representing their religion.

Are the values represented in the play still valid today? Why? Why not?

Alot of the values represented are still valid today, however they may be present across different cultures. Personally speaking, the fixation of living earnestly and the haughty arrogant behavior with interest to wealth and social standing still exists in Indian societies, and many times is so strongly embedded that it is overlooked and unquestioned. These types of etiquettes and values guide us individuals on how we are supposed to live our life, and they are advertised to be as good guidance, whereas the extent of how beneficial it is to a person may vary.