wilde a feminist or expressing his sexual equality in a woman of no importance?

[suzanne]

I have been asked to write an essay on 'A Woman Of No Importance' by Oscar Wilde. The question is "Was Wilde a feminist or simlpy articulating his own specific desire for sexual equality and understanding in the only way available to him?"
I don't know where to start with this essay could anyone help me please?
Suzanne

[shamus88]

I think that you are right to be looking at him wanting equality. Wilde uses many techniques to expose and critique the hypocrisy of society, making his audiences aware of the problems in the era.

However, he cleverly disguises his insults of high class society by using puns, satire, epigrams, aphorisms, etc; as he did not want to be cast out of society whilst he was alive. This makes him hypocritical, but he addresses this balance by calling Lord Illinworth a "man of no importance" by the end of the play. As I'm sure you are aware, Illingworth is a representation of Wilde; so Wilde calls himself unimportant- this balances everything out.

In case you are not aware, Wilde represents himself as Illingworth in a number of ways:
1. There are both dandys
2. Wilde give Illingworth lines that he has said in his own life, eg. "...the unspeakable in full pursuit of the uneatable..."
3. Illinworths fascination with Gerald is reminiscent of Wilde's relationship with a young lover of his, called Bosie

Hope this helps! Sorry I moved away from your initial inquiry, but all of Wilde's themes tie together! Lol! By the way, you could argue that Wilde is not a feminist by saying that he himself is like Illinworth, and use the above points to back it up!

[cuppajoe_9]

What is the difference between someone who wants sexual equality and understanding and a feminist?

[kilted exile]

What is the difference between someone who wants sexual equality and understanding and a feminist?

The ability to use a razor? oh, that was meant as a serious question, Ok

[ShoutGrace]

The ability to use a razor? oh, that was meant as a serious question, Ok

:lol: :lol: :lol:

(for which gender, though? Nevermind, it works for either/or)

[toni]

The ability to use a razor? oh, that was meant as a serious question, Ok

Very funny, Kilt..:)