What is the function of the characters of Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble in
"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde?
Miss Prism is a governess and the symbol of propriety and respectability in the play. She serves as a foil to the more outrageous and comedic characters, highlighting the absurdity of their actions and beliefs. Miss Prism's strict adherence to social conventions also serves to emphasize the hypocrisy and superficiality of the upper class.
Dr. Chasuble is the local rector and a symbol of the clergy in the play. He serves as a comic figure, with his bumbling and absent-minded demeanor providing additional humor to the play. Dr. Chasuble also represents the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper class, as he is easily swayed by wealth and social status.
Overall, the characters of Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble function to provide comedic relief and commentary on the absurdity and shallowness of high society in "The Importance of Being Earnest." They also serve as foils to the main characters, highlighting their flaws and contradictions.