Context For Earnest

Question 1

Separate spheres debate

Answer 1

The debate about where women belong in society, traditional mothering roles or other roles more actively benefitting sociey

Question 2

The New Woman

Answer 2

A term used in 1894 by a female writer used to describe an intelligent, active and attractive woman. Was also seen as unwomanly, immoral and never to be married.

Question 3

Oscar Wilde traits

Answer 3

-Flamboyant and eccentric
-Openly gay and jailed because of it
-Died divorced, broke and bankrupt in 1900

Question 4

Society

Answer 4

-Wilde used society to inspire his wit

-Although he was a part of it, Wilde acknowledged that society was cruel, hypocritical and artificial

-Wilde claimed his plays depended on the audiences knowledge of manners

Question 5

Aesthetic movement

Answer 5

-Art for arts sake, no deeper meaning just beauty
-Enjoyment of artifice and deception
-Wilde a collection of essays in the support of the movement