Gender

Question 1

Does Wilde subvert gender Stereotypes, if so how?

Answer 1

• Yes
• Through Lady Bracknell’s embodiment of Victorian masculinity through dominance
• Jack and Algernon are passive, indecisive, incompetent and ultimately feminine

Question 2

Do Gwendolen and Cecily subvert gender stereotypes?

Answer 2

• No because:
• They are attracted attracted to ‘Ernest’ because of his name - ironic - symbolic of the superficial ideals of upper class Victorian women
• Yes because:
• Gwendolen is bold and confident however based on what merit? She may just be delusional

Question 3

What is a key quote spoken by Algernon in regards to gender?

Answer 3

• “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” The comedic undertone satirises the rigid gender dichotomy of Victorian society.

Question 4

What are three quotes painting Gwendolen as a gender subversive character?

Answer 4

• ‘I am never wrong’
• ‘In an age of ideals’
• ‘One should always have something sensational to read on the train’ (education, travel and this inherent desire to lead an exciting life is subversive of Victorian stereotype of passive femininity being confined to domestic life)

Question 5

What is a quote that shows Gwendolen as conforming to Victorian gender stereotypes?

Answer 5

• ‘I hope you will always look at me just like that, especially when there are other people present’
• Their love is not genuine, merely performative as it is what is expected of them

Question 6

Lady Bracknell as a gender subversive character - 3 quotes?

Answer 6

• ‘Nor do I in any way approve of the modern sympathy with invalids’
• ‘you are not engaged to any one’
• ‘Belgrave square’ ‘the fashion or the side?’ ‘Both if necessary’

Question 7

What are quotes that show Algernon as subverting gender stereotypes?

Answer 7

• ‘If I ever get married I’ll certainly try to forget the fact’ - he is fickle and nonsensical
• ‘He has no taste in neckties at all’
• His costuming in productions

Question 8

Two quotes for Gwendolen and Cecily’s sexist mindset in the third act?

Answer 8

• ‘men are infinitely beyond us’
• ‘moments of physical courage of which we women know absolutely nothing’
• ironic as Wilde was a feminist