TIOBE- contexts

Question 1

The Aesthetic Movement

Answer 1

• ‘Art for Art’s sake’
• The concept of beauty taking precedence over narrative
• Subverts the idea of Art portraying the reality
• The ‘dandy’ figure lives for art and pleasure

Question 2

Social Class

Answer 2

• Wilde himself was a social outsider, as he was Irish
• The play questions the authority of aristocracy
• It examines the place of the lower class through its depictions of the servants

Question 3

Gender Roles and Marriage

Answer 3

• The play portrays a patriarchal society in which marriage is formal and based on status
• Sexuality is a taboo subject
• Roles of women are examined and questioned

Question 4

Behaviour, morality and religion

Answer 4

• Social inequality is highlighted
• Aestheticism challenges Victorian norms
• Religion is shown as a superficial concept