In the Importance of Being Ernest- Why are women in Act 1 shown to have the upper hand? (Explore more than what simply happens on stage.)
To understand why women in Act 1 of "The Importance of Being Earnest" are shown to have the upper hand, it is important to look beyond what is simply happening on stage. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Social norms and expectations: During the Victorian era, when the play is set, women were expected to adhere to strict social conventions. However, Wilde subverts these expectations by depicting strong, independent female characters who challenge and manipulate the men in their lives. This reversal of traditional roles allows the women to have the upper hand in various situations.
2. Wit and intelligence: In "The Importance of Being Earnest," the female characters display wit, intelligence, and quick-thinking. They often engage in wordplay, use sarcasm, and employ clever tactics to assert their dominance. Examples of this can be seen in the banter between Gwendolen and Cecily, Lady Bracknell's interrogations, and the manipulation of the men's emotions.
3. Sense of self-awareness: The female characters, particularly Gwendolen and Cecily, have a strong sense of self-awareness and a clear understanding of their own desires. This allows them to maintain control over their own lives and relationships, while the male characters often find themselves caught up in pretense and false identities.
4. Social positioning: Lady Bracknell, as the matriarch of the play, epitomizes the upper-class Victorian society. She holds considerable power and influence, often using her position to assert control over others. Lady Bracknell's authoritative role further emphasizes the women's upper hand, as she is able to exercise her influence to achieve her desired outcomes.
Overall, the women in Act 1 of "The Importance of Being Earnest" possess a combination of intelligence, social positioning, and self-awareness that allows them to have the upper hand over the men. This portrayal challenges traditional gender roles of the time, making the play a satirical comment on the society's expectations of women and the power dynamics between genders.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/earnest/
Clearly you have copied/pasted the assignment from somewhere. You need to reread Act 1, no doubt, and focus on the characters and why they do what they do.
Let us know what you write up.