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Lady Bracknell's Use Of Satire

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Everyone has that boisterous relative that always says what they are thinking. In this story, Lady Bracknell is that relative. She is constantly telling people how she feels about certain situations, nevertheless how people should act. Lady Bracknell 's view towards people as well as how they should act greatly adds to both the satirical feel in addition to the meaning overall. This play is about, if nothing else, satire. Lady Bracknell 's attitude towards how people act adds a great deal of satire to this play. An example of this is when she states "but it could hardly be regarded as an assured basis for a recognized position in good society." (Wilde 14). In this quote Lady Bracknell expresses her opinion that because Jack was found in a handbag, there is no …show more content…

If there is one entity every play should have, it is an effective and clear meaning or message. Lady Bracknell’s opinions on how a person should act greatly add to this. This is clear when she states “I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social legislation. If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.” (Wilde 45). This quote greatly adds to the whole message of this play by stating that if a person is part of a revolution, they deserve to die. This ridiculous and absurd claim helps us to realize that some people at the time only had concern for themselves, family, and their position in society. This was reinforced when Lady Bracknell says “A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her.” (Wilde 47). Once Lady Bracknell finds out that Miss Cardew is rich, she instantly drops all previous accusations and discrepancies, once more reinforcing that nothing else mattered if you had something great to offer another person or their family. Consequently it is the money Algernon would obtain from marrying Cecily. This yet again, adds to the meaning by stating that people’s views at this time were completely

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