Oscar Wilde-Role Reversal

Oscar Wilde had an uncanny way of imitating life through art. His poems and plays were focused around his admiration for the Aesthetes; "Wilde dressed ostentatiously, wore his hair long, and decorated his rooms with lilies, a favorite symbol of the Aesthetes" (p.828).  Wilde was intrigued with the idea that art imitated life and that life shouldn't be taken too seriously. Wilde's plays were satirical, making jest of the Victorian elitism and ideologies. However, his art centered on personalities, moral conflicts and sometimes role reversal.  In his comedic play, The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde's female characters are very much Victorian in their depiction. Both Gwendolyn and Lady Bracknell  are opinionated and show characteristics of being smart, savvy women. Gwendolyn remarks of herself in her first line, "I am always smart"(p.853). In the second line she remarks "I intend to develop in many directions"(p.853). This is a different point of view for the Victorian period. Most women were expected and subjected to adhering to a role of wife and mother and subservient to men. Little emphasis was placed on women expanding themselves. Although, Gwendolyn has the pomp and circumstance of a Victorian aristocrat, she is inevitably showing her strong female opinionated side. Gwendolyn also let's Jack knows how she feels about his intentions; "Yes, I am quite aware of the fact. And I often wish that in public, at any rate, you had been more demonstrative" (p.853).  Lady Bracknell posses to be another strong female character in the satirical play. Once she learns of the Jack's proposal to Gwendolyn, she become indignant; "...you are not engaged to anyone. When you do become engaged o someone, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact" (p.854) . Lady Bracknell subjects Jack to a series of interview questions in order to discern his validity for her daughter; "How old are you", What is your income?", "A country house! How many bedrooms?...You have a town house I hope? A with a simple, unspoiled nature like Gwendolyn, could hardly be expected to reside in the country" (p.857). Lady Bracknell shows her protective and discretionary side in her dialogue with Jack. She portrays a mother who is looking out for the best interest of her daughter.
Jack is subjected to the mother's discretion and not the father. The Victorian ideology of women being insignificant creatures is debunked in this prose. Gwendolyn's mother is boisterous in her consideration of Jack's proposal. It is evident that Lady Bracknell is the important subject matter in the decision. Lady Bracknell's husband appears almost insignificant and weak, as his health is failing.

The Importance of Being Earnest covers more topics, however, the women, specifically, Lady Bracknell and Gwendolyn show strong characteristics of pious women in charge (somewhat) of their destiny.
Arranged marriages are not uncommon for many cultures. The mother and the women of the family are usually a large part of the equation of whether or not a marriage is suitable. Oscar Wilde proved, in the first act of the play, that a women's thoughts of marriage are important. Marriage is not only natural, but it is also a business. It's a business of meshing lives that will work to e productive in the institute of marriage.