TIOBE- Themes Flashcards
How is social conventions portrayed as a theme?
The play satarises social conventions about class, relationships, acceptable behaviour and art.
Give and example of social conventions in the play.
Act 3, when Lady Bracknell realises Cecily has ‘extremely solid quality’ once she learns Cecily has ‘a considerable fortune’
Why is the example of Lady Bracknell used to portray this theme of social conventions?
Her remarks mock the way people’s opinion of character can change once they learn someone is rich.
Where is the satire of social conventions more subtle in the play?
When Jack says ‘some ants are tall, some ants are not tall, that is a matter that surely an ant may be allowed to decide for herself’
How does Jack’s ‘ant’ joke show the subtleness of the satire social conventions?
The joke satirises the social convention of free choice.
How does the plot of the play portray social conventions?
It challenges social convention that people choose freely in love, or other matters.
Why is love a big theme in the play?
Love, or the desire for it, drives many of the play’s characters.
How does Wilde present love as a theme in the play?
He presents it as shallow and superficial, indicative of how it is central to Wilde’s universe.
How is love presented as shallow and superficial?
The characters fall in love based on hearsay and shallowness, based on wealth or physical attractiveness alone.
How is the play structured?
Structurally, the play is a romantic comedy
Give an example of love as a theme in the play.
Jack and Gwendolen are already in love and have to overcome obstacles in their marriage.
How does theme of love help make the play comedic?
The speed in which love develops is part of the comedy and Wilde’s satire of romance.
How is language a theme in the play?
It is central to the play, its power, flexibility, longevity speaks to the theme.
How does Wilde use language?
He uses linguistic techniques to create humour, especially juxtaposing something with its opposite.
What is a good example of the theme of language?
Gwendolen tells Jack, ‘If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.’
