1. THE IMPORTANCE OF
BEING EARNEST
A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
by Oscar Wilde

2. THE VICTORIAN AGE
The sun never sets on the British Empire.
British imperialism led to holdings in India, Africa, Ireland,
New Zealand, Hong Kong.
It was the largest empire in history.
As a result, the ways of the British became the ways of the
world.

3. THE VICTORIAN AGE
The Monarchy: Queen Victoria (reigned 1837-1901)
Ruled for almost 64 years. It was the longest reign in English
history. This was an era of incredible stability and, as a
result, prosperity for the British.
Victoria embrace the idea of Constitutional Monarchy.
Yielded control of day to day governmental affairs to
Parliament and, especially, Prime Ministers.
Became an advisor, role model and figurehead.

4. THE VICTORIAN AGE
The Industrial Revolution
A consequence of the stability of the empire and the massive
resources that it made available to industry, manufacturing
created new jobs and income for the British people.
This led to the rise of a new middle-class of factory workers
who also became the consumers of these new, mass-
produced goods.
Indulgence and the display of wealth (in the form of
formal clothes, furniture, and other non-necessities)
became common for the first time in history.

5. THE VICTORIAN AGE
The Industrial Revolution
Also brought a downside.
Poor working conditions
Pollution
Child Labor
Consumerism/Greed
Class struggles

6. THE VICTORIAN AGE
Victorian Morality
-Very conservative values (prudish)
-Propriety and dignity
-”Polite” conversation: euphemisms, hints, “language of
flowers,”
-Sexual restraint
-A low tolerance for crime
-Tolerated few social safety nets (saw the need as
weakness and shamed those who expressed need)
-A strict social code of conduct
-Strong class divisions (lineage and then money)

7. THE VICTORIAN AGE
Literature: the rise of the novel as a literary form.
Darker themes with idealized morality and artificial/
elevated style emphasizing propriety
Taught moral lessons reflecting Victorian morality
Hard work, perseverance, love and virtue rewarded
Bad guys lose and vice is punished