By Oscar Wilde

 What is the value of identity?  What makes people want to escape the world they live in to be someone else?  What are the effects of using humor and satire to expose humanity’s foibles?  How does Wilde use subtext to ridicule the self-righteous hypocrisy of Victorian society?  Does this type of hypocrisy still exist in our modern society? How and where?

 Hypocrisy vs. Sincerity – Wilde wrote the play to show his contempt for the self-righteous moralism and superficiality he saw in Victorian society.  The Nature of Marriage  The Societal Constraints on Morality  The Idleness and Leisure of the Upper Class

 Born in Ireland in 1854  Entered Trinity College in Dublin at 17  Won a poetry prize at 24 at Oxford  Published a volume of poems  Went to London to earn a living as a writer  Became an “aesthete” and was his own best publicity agent  1883 went on a speaking tour of America  Married at 30 and had 2 sons

 Remarkable ability to produce spontaneous sparkling conversation and witty remarks  Engaging conversationalist that people loved to listen to.  Remarks and responses always new and fresh no matter what the topic.  Considered a “dandy” wearing velvet collars, fur greatcoats, velvet breeches, silk hose, and patent dancing shoes.  Went to jail in 1895 for 2 years  Moved to Paris where he died-near his death at a hotel in Paris he quipped that he or the wallpaper would have to go.

 Life was structured with individuals fitting into their own social class.  Presumably everyone accepted his station in life and was happy in his level of society  More restriction on behavior than in English life today.  Young men of the upper classes received an education, but spent their later lives in leisure pursuits.  First sons had little to worry about. 2 nd and 3 rd sons could go into the clergy or military.  (the law of primogeniture)

 Young women were okay if they managed to marry well. If not, they usually became maiden-aunt members of the family.  Women might inherit wealth, but seldom controlled their own finances.  They enjoyed pleasurable pursuits – parties, balls, riding, fox hunting, croquet.  Young girls were taught to supervise a household –consult with the housekeeper and cook.  Free time often spent painting china pitchers, plates, cups, and saucers or needlework. Some enjoyed music and literature and many enjoyed writing poetry.

 A daily tradition was the four o’clock tea time. All activities stopped at tea time.  Rituals of tea time included a silver tea service or china tea pot with the lady of the house gathering everyone together.  Delicate sandwiches and sweets such as tarts, petit fours, or biscuits (cookies) were served on fancy trays.  Tea time was an important part of the day and the evening meal was served at 8:00 or later.  Family members and guests often dressed up for tea.