The Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis of Act 3 Section 2

🔍Lady Bracknell's sudden change of heart reveals the tensions and transformations in Victorian ideals.

💍The snobbish matron equates wealth with character, highlighting the materialistic values of the time.

💔Jack's refusal to allow Cecily to marry Algernon is hypocritical, reflecting the hypocrisy prevalent in Victorian society.

🎭The scene serves as an overt critique of social conventions in Victorian England.

💒Lady Bracknell's haste in pushing the marriages underscores the societal pressure to conform to traditional expectations.

What does Lady Bracknell's change of heart reveal?

—Lady Bracknell's sudden approval of the engagements highlights the tensions and transformations in Victorian ideals, particularly the equating of success with wealth and materialistic values.

Why does Jack refuse to allow Cecily to marry Algernon?

—Jack's refusal is hypocritical as it mirrors the hypocrisy prevalent in Victorian society. He values societal expectations over individual happiness.

What does the scene criticize?

—The scene serves as an overt critique of social conventions in Victorian England, bringing to the forefront the societal pressure to conform to traditional expectations.

What does the snobbish matron equate with character?

—Lady Bracknell equates wealth with character, emphasizing the materialistic values of the time.

Why does Lady Bracknell rush the marriages?

—Lady Bracknell's rush to push the marriages reflects the societal pressure to conform to traditional expectations and the importance placed on maintaining social status.

00:09Lady Bracknell returns, disrupting the characters' happiness.

00:19Lady Bracknell approves the engagements when she learns they are rich.

00:28Lady Bracknell quizzes Jack about Cecily's background.

00:42Lady Bracknell suggests waiting until Cecily comes of age.

00:47Jack refuses to allow Cecily to marry Algernon.

00:52Lady Bracknell refuses Jack's request to marry Gwendolen.

00:59Jack reveals Cecily won't come of age until she is 35.

01:31Lady Bracknell prepares to return to London with Gwendolen.