Women and Femininity Flashcards
Much of Mrs. Cheveley’s power – especially in this early scene – lies in her mystery.
“Ah! the strength of women comes from the fact that psychology cannot explain us.” (MRS. CHEVELEY)
Goring sexualising of women.
Too much femininity is destructive in a woman?
“Well, she wore far too much rouge last night, and not quite enough clothes. That is always a sign of despair in a woman.” (LORD GORING)
Lady Markby with the how-things-have-changed report about women.
“I and my poor dear sister were taught not to understand was quite extraordinary. But modern women understand everything, I am told.” (LADY MARKBY)
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NO woman has common sense or intelligence.
Only men have common sense
“No woman, plain or pretty, has any common sense at all, sir. Common sense is the privilege of our sex.” (LORD CAVERSHAM)
Mrs. Cheveley has full confidence in the superiority and strength of women.
Men are easy to maniplulate and seduce
“My dear Arthur, women are never disarmed by compliments. Men always are. That is the difference between the two sexes.” (MRS. CHEVELEY)
Lord Goring sees Mrs. Cheveley and Lady Chiltern as two black widows of very different natures. He couldn’t be married to either of them.
Mrs Cheveley and Lady Chiltern fighting
“How you women war against each other!” (LORD GORING)
Lord Goring advocates for women to remain in the private sphere as silent supports to their men. Lady Chiltern parrots his speech when her husband comes back in. Some critics see the word-for-word repetition as a comic resolution
Lord Goring prioritises the male gender
“A man’s life is of more value than a woman’s” (LORD GORING)
- Late 19th century: Women’s Liberal Association
- Advanced social reform
”We have much more important work to do than look at eachother’s bonnets, Lord Goring” (Lady Chiltern)
- Mabel
- Victorian etiquette, expectations of women
- Demonstrates how women should act as she takes lead here
“What dreadful manners you have! I am sure you were badly bought up” (MABEL)
