A Gentleman or Lady - In The Victorian Era and in Oscar Wilde's, Importance of Being Earnest.

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A Gentleman or Lady

        In The Victorian Era and in Oscar Wilde’s, Importance of Being Earnest, it was stressed to be a gentleman and a lady. Everything you said, did, or wore was part as you defining yourself as a lady or gentleman. These standards also set guidelines on how you approached love. The connection between being a gentleman or lady and love were very strong during this era. In the Importance of Being Earnest, the main characters are good examples of ladies, gentlemen, and love. In some cases the characters defy the definition of a true lady or gentleman, but exemplify the world with all its faults and cares.

        A gentleman had many definitions or requirements. “He is one who never inflicts pain. He is mainly occupied in merely removing obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him: and he concourse wit their movements rather that make them himself. His great concern is to make everyone at ease in their home. He is patient, forbearing, Christian, and resigned. He submits to pain because it is inevitable. He is religious, intelligent, and caring (Henry, 1847, p.1898-1899). All of the men in The Importance of Being Earnest, had gentleman like qualities, but we as reads are not quite sure if they are true gentlemen. For example, Algernon was educated, handsome and new of the best things in life. Jack calm  and not boastful like his brother, Algernon. Earnest comes across as  a little naïve. The men seem to have all the worldly things that qualify them as gentleman, but have things to learn. One of the most important keys to being a gentleman is figuring out who you are and what you are about in the end. Jack does that by the end of the play. “…I’ve now realized for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.”(Importance of Being Earnest, Scene 3) This is so vital because Jack realizes how wrong he was in deceiving Gwendolen. Not only that, Lady Cracknel realizes that he too has grown into a true definition. This made Jack more of a gentleman to me. Yes, Algernon had a little money and education, but I did not get the feel he really learned about himself.

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        The definition for a lady is one who gives clarity to thoughts. She teaches man moral generosity. She values inner virtues. Her best job is a nurse. Her forte is morality.  She is an abject not an agent and she helps man (Ellis, 1894 , p1892-1895). Sarah Ellis advised women to accept their inferiority to men and devote themselves to the happiness and moral elevation of their brothers, husbands and sons. (Ellis, 1894). The women in the play seem to defy these standards with the exception of Gwendolen. Lady Bracknell was square. She did not seem to have much ...

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