Sketch the character of Lady Bracknell
The Importance of Being Earnest is a notable literary work by Oscar Wilde. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Importance of Being Earnest.
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
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