Sketch the character of Lady Bracknell

Answer

Sketch the character of Lady Bracknell.

Lady Bracknell is one of the most memorable characters in Oscar Wilde’s (1854–1900) play, “The Importance of Being Earnest” (1895). She represents the Victorian upper class with strict social rules and expectations. Wilde uses Lady Bracknell to highlight the absurdity of these rules. She adds humour to the play with her stern, no-nonsense attitude. Her character is a powerful symbol of the rigid social norms of the time.

Lady Bracknell’s Concern with Social Status: Lady Bracknell is deeply concerned with social status and wealth. She believes that marriage is more about social advancement than love. When Jack asks to marry her daughter, Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell does not care about his feelings. Instead, she interrogates him about his wealth, property, and connections. She says,

A man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing. Which do you know?

This line shows her belief that social status is more important than personal feelings.

Lady Bracknell’s Role as a Dominating Mother: Lady Bracknell is a dominating mother who controls her daughter Gwendolen’s life. She decides who Gwendolen should marry and does not allow her daughter to choose. Lady Bracknell believes parents should have total control over their children’s lives. She says,

When you do become engaged to someone, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact.  

This shows her belief that Gwendolen needs her guidance in matters of marriage. Her overbearing nature is typical of the Victorian era’s approach to parenting.

Lady Bracknell’s Hypocrisy: Lady Bracknell’s character is also marked by hypocrisy. She has strict rules for others but often bends them when it suits her. For example, she initially disapproves of Cecily as a match for her nephew Algernon because she thinks Cecily is not wealthy enough. However, when she learns that Cecily has a large inheritance, Lady Bracknell suddenly becomes very supportive of the marriage. She says,

A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her.

This shift shows how her opinions are influenced by money. Her hypocrisy adds to the humor of the play but also highlights the superficiality of Victorian social norms.

Lady Bracknell as a Symbol of Victorian Society: Lady Bracknell is more than just a character. She is a symbol of Victorian society’s rigid and often ridiculous rules. Her views on marriage and social status reflect the era’s values. Wilde uses her character to critique these values. For instance, her comment,

To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.

It highlights the absurdity of prioritizing social expectations over personal emotions.

Lady Bracknell’s Unintentional Humor: Although Lady Bracknell is a serious character, she provides much of the play’s humour. Her strict and absurd views often lead to comical situations. For example, her interrogation of Jack about his suitability as a husband for Gwendolen is so over-the-top that it becomes funny. She asks ridiculous questions about his income, his habits, and even his smoking. Jack’s nervous answers only make the scene more humorous.

In conclusion, Lady Bracknell represents Victorian society’s strict, often ridiculous values. Her focus on social status, domineering nature, hypocrisy, and unintentional humour make her a memorable character. Through Lady Bracknell, Wilde critiques the superficiality of the upper class and the absurdity of their social rules.